Libya: At least 200 dead as protesters come under renewed fire
Morocco: Thousands march in cities of Rabat and Casablanca
Bahrain: Pearl Square takes on carnival feel as army pulls back
Tunisia: Renewed clashes amid protests against interim government
Courtesy Of "The Guardian"
Good morning. We'll be running live updates of events in the Middle Eastthroughout the day. Here's a run down of the situation in some countries overnight.
Libya
The death toll in the Libyan city of Benghazi has risen to 104, according to Human Rights Watch, after at least 20 people were killed on Saturday. There are reports of dozens of anti-government protesters shot in the eastern city by army and security forces. The pro-government Al-zahf al-akhdar newspaper warned on Saturday that the government would "violently and thunderously respond" to the protests, and said those opposing the regime risked "suicide". One witness told Reuters, "Dozens were killed ... We are in the midst of a massacre here."
The death toll in the Libyan city of Benghazi has risen to 104, according to Human Rights Watch, after at least 20 people were killed on Saturday. There are reports of dozens of anti-government protesters shot in the eastern city by army and security forces. The pro-government Al-zahf al-akhdar newspaper warned on Saturday that the government would "violently and thunderously respond" to the protests, and said those opposing the regime risked "suicide". One witness told Reuters, "Dozens were killed ... We are in the midst of a massacre here."
Bahrain
Thousands of anti-government protesters camped overnight at Pearl roundabout in the capital Manama. They had reclaimed the site yesterday after the security forces abruptly surrendered it.On orders from the crown prince, troops and armoured vehicles had withdrawn from the square, which they had taken over on Thursday after riot police staged a night-time attack on a sit-in by protesters, killing four people and wounding 231. Crown Prince Salman has been appointed by the king to lead a dialogue with opposition groups.
Thousands of anti-government protesters camped overnight at Pearl roundabout in the capital Manama. They had reclaimed the site yesterday after the security forces abruptly surrendered it.On orders from the crown prince, troops and armoured vehicles had withdrawn from the square, which they had taken over on Thursday after riot police staged a night-time attack on a sit-in by protesters, killing four people and wounding 231. Crown Prince Salman has been appointed by the king to lead a dialogue with opposition groups.
Yemen
Supporters of the Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, tried to break up a demonstration by opponents of the government this morning and shots were fired as unrest in the country entered its ninth straight day. As many as 50 government supporters tried to disrupt the demonstration by more than 1,000 Saleh opponents gathered outside Sana'a University chanting, "Leave, Ali." One Saleh supporter fired shots from an assault rifle, but there were no reported casualties. Both sides fired weapons on Saturday in protests outside the university - the first reported use of firearms by demonstrators.
Supporters of the Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, tried to break up a demonstration by opponents of the government this morning and shots were fired as unrest in the country entered its ninth straight day. As many as 50 government supporters tried to disrupt the demonstration by more than 1,000 Saleh opponents gathered outside Sana'a University chanting, "Leave, Ali." One Saleh supporter fired shots from an assault rifle, but there were no reported casualties. Both sides fired weapons on Saturday in protests outside the university - the first reported use of firearms by demonstrators.
Morocco
Thousands of Moroccans are expected to join nationwide protests on Sunday to demand that King Mohammed hand some of his powers to a newly elected government and make the justice system more independent. The street protests will also urge the king to dismiss the coalition government and dissolve parliament.
Thousands of Moroccans are expected to join nationwide protests on Sunday to demand that King Mohammed hand some of his powers to a newly elected government and make the justice system more independent. The street protests will also urge the king to dismiss the coalition government and dissolve parliament.
China
Jittery Chinese authorities staged a show of force Sunday to stamp out a mysterious online call for a "Jasmine Revolution" apparently modelled after pro-democracy demonstrations sweeping the Middle East, according to AP.
Jittery Chinese authorities staged a show of force Sunday to stamp out a mysterious online call for a "Jasmine Revolution" apparently modelled after pro-democracy demonstrations sweeping the Middle East, according to AP.
Authorities detained activists, increased the number of police on the streets and censored online calls to stage protests in Beijing, Shanghai and 11 other major cities. Citizens were urged to shout "We want food, we want work, we want housing, we want fairness", a slogan that highlights common complaints among ordinary Chinese.
Good morning. We'll be running live updates of events in the Middle East throughout the day. Here's a run down of the situation in some countries overnight.
Libya
The death toll in the Libyan city of Benghazi has risen to 104, according to Human Rights Watch, after at least 20 people were killed on Saturday. There are reports of dozens of anti-government protesters shot in the eastern city by army and security forces. The pro-government Al-zahf al-akhdar newspaper warned on Saturday that the government would "violently and thunderously respond" to the protests, and said those opposing the regime risked "suicide". One witness told Reuters, "Dozens were killed ... We are in the midst of a massacre here."
The death toll in the Libyan city of Benghazi has risen to 104, according to Human Rights Watch, after at least 20 people were killed on Saturday. There are reports of dozens of anti-government protesters shot in the eastern city by army and security forces. The pro-government Al-zahf al-akhdar newspaper warned on Saturday that the government would "violently and thunderously respond" to the protests, and said those opposing the regime risked "suicide". One witness told Reuters, "Dozens were killed ... We are in the midst of a massacre here."
Bahrain
Thousands of anti-government protesters camped overnight at Pearl roundabout in the capital Manama. They had reclaimed the site yesterday after the security forces abruptly surrendered it.On orders from the crown prince, troops and armoured vehicles had withdrawn from the square, which they had taken over on Thursday after riot police staged a night-time attack on a sit-in by protesters, killing four people and wounding 231. Crown Prince Salman has been appointed by the king to lead a dialogue with opposition groups.
Thousands of anti-government protesters camped overnight at Pearl roundabout in the capital Manama. They had reclaimed the site yesterday after the security forces abruptly surrendered it.On orders from the crown prince, troops and armoured vehicles had withdrawn from the square, which they had taken over on Thursday after riot police staged a night-time attack on a sit-in by protesters, killing four people and wounding 231. Crown Prince Salman has been appointed by the king to lead a dialogue with opposition groups.
Yemen
Supporters of the Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, tried to break up a demonstration by opponents of the government this morning and shots were fired as unrest in the country entered its ninth straight day. As many as 50 government supporters tried to disrupt the demonstration by more than 1,000 Saleh opponents gathered outside Sana'a University chanting, "Leave, Ali." One Saleh supporter fired shots from an assault rifle, but there were no reported casualties. Both sides fired weapons on Saturday in protests outside the university - the first reported use of firearms by demonstrators.
Supporters of the Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, tried to break up a demonstration by opponents of the government this morning and shots were fired as unrest in the country entered its ninth straight day. As many as 50 government supporters tried to disrupt the demonstration by more than 1,000 Saleh opponents gathered outside Sana'a University chanting, "Leave, Ali." One Saleh supporter fired shots from an assault rifle, but there were no reported casualties. Both sides fired weapons on Saturday in protests outside the university - the first reported use of firearms by demonstrators.
Morocco
Thousands of Moroccans are expected to join nationwide protests on Sunday to demand that King Mohammed hand some of his powers to a newly elected government and make the justice system more independent. The street protests will also urge the king to dismiss the coalition government and dissolve parliament.
Thousands of Moroccans are expected to join nationwide protests on Sunday to demand that King Mohammed hand some of his powers to a newly elected government and make the justice system more independent. The street protests will also urge the king to dismiss the coalition government and dissolve parliament.
China
Jittery Chinese authorities staged a show of force Sunday to stamp out a mysterious online call for a "Jasmine Revolution" apparently modelled after pro-democracy demonstrations sweeping the Middle East, according to AP.
Authorities detained activists, increased the number of police on the streets and censored online calls to stage protests in Beijing, Shanghai and 11 other major cities. Citizens were urged to shout "We want food, we want work, we want housing, we want fairness", a slogan that highlights common complaints among ordinary Chinese.
Jittery Chinese authorities staged a show of force Sunday to stamp out a mysterious online call for a "Jasmine Revolution" apparently modelled after pro-democracy demonstrations sweeping the Middle East, according to AP.
Authorities detained activists, increased the number of police on the streets and censored online calls to stage protests in Beijing, Shanghai and 11 other major cities. Citizens were urged to shout "We want food, we want work, we want housing, we want fairness", a slogan that highlights common complaints among ordinary Chinese.
This news report from Al-Jazeera shows chaotic scenes in Libya's north-eastern city of Benghazi. Anti-government protesters appear to have set fire to a security building and there are pictures of some making off with weapons - including an artillery round.
There is also unconfirmed footage of what appears to be an African mercenary hired by the government. Film of the city's hospital suggest that is is overwhelmed by casualties. Meanwhile in the capital Tripoli, pro-government demonstrators have taken to the streets.
Our correspondent Giles Tremlett is in Madrid but will be in contract with protesters in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Tangier throughout the day. Here's his take on the current situation:
Today the focus for the protest movements sweeping through north Africa and the Middle East moves partly to Morocco, which has been free of trouble until now. Youth groups, who began their campaign on Facebook, have called people to protest across the country this morning.Last night Moroccan state media began claiming that the protesters had called their marches off. Reuters confirmed that a handful of leaders were now shying off, but organisers denounced a propaganda operation, claimed Facebook pages were being hacked by security forces and confirmed that the protests were going ahead at 10am (UK and Morocco time).Although people are expected to take to the streets of many cities, the main protests are in the capital Rabat as well as in the major cities of Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier. Early reports suggest several hundred people are out in the rain in both Rabat and Casablanca.Protesters are calling for a rewrite of a constitution which accords King Mohammed VI vast powers. They also want action against corruption and other ills. They stress that these are to be peaceful demonstrations - calling for evolution towards real democracy rather than revolution.There has been some police harassment of the organisers, but Morocco claims it is more liberal than the rest of north Africa and with greater freedoms - including of protest. Police reaction to the protests will, therefore, be key. It will also be interesting to see if protesters try to set up camps, as in Bahrain and Egypt, in order to keep the pressure on the regime for greater reforms.
Moroccans raise their hands during a protest demanding broad political reforms, in Rabat, Morocco. Photograph: Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesIn this video from the Moroccan February 20 campaign, young anti-government protesters explain why they are joining the demonstrations. The video is partly aimed at scotching rumours (that protesters suspect have been orchestrated by the government) that the protests have been cancelled. They also say that they have been given hope by the success of protests in Egypt and Tunisia.
"We are the young people of Morocco. We love this country. And are calling out for change and dignity," says one man. "We want those who loot our wealth to be punished. We want to go out and say stop the looting! Stop the corruption!" implores a young woman.
Moroccan protesters at a demonstration in Rabat this morning.
Martin Chulov reports from Pearl roundabout in the Bahraini capital Manama:
Martin Chulov
The hub of Bahrain's anti-government revolt resembles a folk festival today, with tents pitched, candy and juice being handed out and thousands of people continuing to stream to and from the site. Blood from the last battle to be fought here on Saturday afternoon between government forces and Bahraini youth still stains the ground in parts. But the razor wire that had barricaded the central Bahrain site has been taken away and the roundabout is again being used by traffic.Teachers and lawyers who went out on strike today in a bid to maintain pressure on the regime, called for civic unrest until their demands of more inclusion in the affairs of state. So far the main opposition group, which walked out on the government after a savage pre-dawn assault by loyalist government riot police on Thursday, has refused the kingdom's pleas that it join a national dialogue. However, talks seem inevitable.For now though, the riot police are nowhere to be seen and the military has removed tanks and armoured personnel carriers from the streets of the central city. Pearl roundabout is festooned with Bahraini flags and peace signs.
Associated Press is reporting that the death toll is Benghazi may be much higher than the estimate from Human Rights Watch (which they had called "conservative").
A doctor in the Libyan city of Benghazi says his hospital has seen the bodies of at least 200 protesters killed by Moammar Gadhafi's forces over the last few days. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he fears reprisal.
Witnesses told AP that a mixture of special commandos, foreign mercenaries and Gadhafi loyalists went after demonstrators on Saturday with knives, assault rifles and heavy-caliber weapons.
More from Giles Tremlett on the protests in Morocco:
Giles Tremlett
Estimates now say a thousand or so protesters are out in Rabat's Bab el Had square, while there are more than a hundred in rainy Casablanca and people are also out in Marrakech (which can be followed almost live at the mobile phone video site bambuser). My sources say Tangier seems more tame, but it is too early to tell overall numbers as people still seem to be arriving. My figures may be conservative, as some Tweets are claiming several times this many. Police are remaining relatively discreet (compared to other countries), though Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet is reporting that two Italians have been detained in Casablanca. Train services to Rabat are running at a minimum, according to Twitter reports that I cannot confirm.
Some of the protests have been organised with the help of this facebook group.
Reuters is reporting that there is still tension in Tunisia capital Tunis. It was anti-government protests in the North African country last month that inspired demonstrations across the Arab world:
Tunisian security forces fired into the air on Sunday as tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered downtown to call for the replacement of the interim government, a Reuters witness said.
It was the second straight day of mass protests in the North African country's capital despite a government ban on rallies after a popular uprising last month forced President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to flee.
Following weeks of relative calm, as many as 30,000 marchers gathered in front of the prime minister's building shouting slogans such as "Leave!" and "We don't want the friends of Ben Ali!". Security forces fired into the air.
More than a month after Ben Ali's departure, some Tunisians have complained the caretaker government charged with setting elections to replace him has failed to provide security amid a surge in crime and worries over political violence.
Here's a round up on the situation in Libya from our Middle East editor Ian Black:
Libyans in Benghazi and elsewhere are being reminded to their cost that of all the Arab regimes shaken by popular uprisings in recent weeks, Muammar Gaddafi's is the most instinctively repressive. With the civilian death toll after four days of unrest now over 100 – at a conservative estimate – there is no sign the violence is going to end anytime soon.Official attempts to impose a media blackout have been partly foiled by intermittent phone contact and news spread by Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, though information remains fragmentary and confused. But it seems clear that talk of massacres is not exaggerated. Repeated references to the use of special forces and mercenaries have the ring of grim truth. The body count looks set to rise.Condemnation by western governments – including the UK – which have extensive commercial interests in the "new" Libya, is another sign that things are now very serious. It is an embarrassing reminder that a supposedly "reformed" Gaddafi who no longer supports terrorism abroad is still an unreconstructed dictator and human rights abuser at home.For Libya-watchers, one key question is whether the trouble will spread from Benghazi and elsewhere in the impoverished east to the capital Tripoli and the more densely populated west of the country. So far there is little evidence of that.Another question is whether Gaddafi will be pushed into making any political gestures or concessions that might defuse the situation. Promising closer consultation or boosting investment in housing and social services seems unlikely to do the trick after a display of such callous brutality towards ordinary Libyans.Conventional wisdom says that Libya's oil wealth, tribal divisions and ruthless security forces mean that a countrywide revolt that leads to regime change is unlikely, especially when the opposition remains localised. But the scale of the violence means that it may become necessary to re-examine that wisdom.
These scenes are believed to have been shot in Benghazi on Friday after security forces began firing on protesters. They were posted on YouTube yesterday by Engcastro101.
We have been contacted by a Libyan businessman who is based in the South East of England but who has large numbers of family in Benghazi – including his father. International phone calls out of the country are blocked but it has been possible to call in. The man – who does not want us to reveal his name – last spoke to his father at 10am GMT.
His father said that there is a crowd of what he estimates to be tens of thousands of protesters on the streets close to the sea front where most of the government buildings are located. There was extensive violence overnight in the area and in pockets around the city (including the suburb of Fuhat which is 3 to 4 kilometres from the centre and is where the family lives).
The army has now pulled back, according to our contact's father, but the crowd is being fired on by foreign militia, believed to be from Chad and Sudan. Helicopter gunships have been used to fire on the protesters. "The libyans won't fire on their own people so [Gaddafi] has drafted in overseas African militia. They have not heard of these people before." There are rumours that protesters on the route from Tripoli have been blocking the roads to stop the militia from reaching Benghazi, but these are not confirmed.
The man's contacts in Benghazi's main hospital estimate that 200 were killed last night and hundreds injured. Again, these figures cannot be confirmed.
Here's a quick round up of events so far today:
Bahraini anti-government protesters chant slogans at the Pearl roundabout in Manama, Bahrain. Photograph: Hassan Ammar/APLibya
It is very hard to get accurate information, but the death toll in the eastern city of Benghazi may have risen above 200 today. The government crack-down on the protests is continuing using foreign mercenaries.
It is very hard to get accurate information, but the death toll in the eastern city of Benghazi may have risen above 200 today. The government crack-down on the protests is continuing using foreign mercenaries.
Bahrain
The protest at Pearl Square has taken on something of a carnival feel today with demonstrators celebrating the pull back of the security forces. The ruling elite has made overtures to opposition groups to set up talks about the country's future.
The protest at Pearl Square has taken on something of a carnival feel today with demonstrators celebrating the pull back of the security forces. The ruling elite has made overtures to opposition groups to set up talks about the country's future.
Morocco
Protests are taking place across the country today calling for an end to corruption and more political freedoms. So far there are no reports of serious violence.
Protests are taking place across the country today calling for an end to corruption and more political freedoms. So far there are no reports of serious violence.
Tunisia
There have been clashes between security forces and protesters calling for the replacement of the interim government that was put in place after President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled the country last month.
There have been clashes between security forces and protesters calling for the replacement of the interim government that was put in place after President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled the country last month.
Anti-government protesters chant slogans at the Pearl roundabout in Manama.
Good afternoon, Mark Smith here. James has gone to have some well-earned lunch so I'll be feeding into the blog for the time being.
Saeed Kamali Dehghan has filed an update on what's happening in Iran, where opposition websites are reporting that thousands of protesters are gathering in scattered groups across Tehran and other cities, including Isfahan and Shiraz.
The fresh protests are focused on marking one week since the death of two youths killed in pro-democracy rallies. Saane Zhaleh, 26, and Mohammad Mokhtari, 22, died in Tehran last Monday.
The official website of Mir Hossein Mousavi, an opposition leader, says protesters in Azadi, Enghelab and Vali-e-Asr streets in Tehran are chanting "death to dictator", "Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein" and "Allahu Akbar" (God is great).
BBC Persian TV is saying protests are also taking place in the city of Marivan, in the western Kurdistan province. Sahamnews.org, the official website of Mehdi Karroubi, another opposition leader, says a significant group of protesters had gathered in Vanak Square in Tehran. Rahesabz.net, an opposition website said that protesters have also gathered in front of state TV in north Tehran.Another opposition group, Green Wave, has announced that Ahmad Maleki, the first secretary and vice-consul at the consulate general of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Milan, Italy has defected.Amir Hossein Jahanchahi of the Green Wave said that Maleki, a nephew of Mehdi Karroubi, "has relinquished his post in protest against Ahmadinejad and his regime and joined the movement of the Iranian people for the liberation of Iran". He is the fourth diplomat to defect since Iran's post-election unrest in 2009.
AP is reporting that Libyan security forces have again opened fire on mourners at a funeral for anti-government protesters killed in Benghazi yesterday. A man who was shot in leg says marchers were carrying coffins past a military compound when they came under fire. One person was killed, and 14 were injured, AP says. The report also seems to corroborate our earlier source in Benghazi (see 1.29pm), who claimed foreign mercenaries, apparently from Chad and Sudan, were taking part in the crackdown.
Libyan security forces opened fire on mourners at a funeral for anti-government protesters in the eastern city of Benghazi again Sunday, a day after commandos and foreign mercenaries loyal to longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi pummeled demonstrators with assault rifles and other heavy weaponry as well as knives. A doctor at one city hospital said he counted 200 dead in his morgue alone since unrest began six days ago.The latest violence in the flashpoint city of Benghazi followed the same pattern as the crackdown on Saturday, when witnesses said forces loyal to Gadhafi attacked mourners at a funeral for anti-government protesters. The doctor at a Benghazi hospital said at least one person was killed by gunshots during the funeral march, and 14 were injured, including five in serious condition. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.A man shot in the leg Sunday said marchers were carrying coffins to a cemetery when they passed a military compound in Libya's second-largest city. The man said security forces fired in the air and then opened up on the crowd.
James Randerson here. Mark has now handed back the controls.
Giles Tremlett reports that thousands of people have joined demonstrations calling for constitutional reform in Morocco today.
Both Nora Fakim, who is reporting for us from the Moroccan capital of Rabat today, and theAFP agency estimate numbers in Rabat as 2,000 people. AFP gives a futher 1,000 in Casablanca, though one source at the demonstrations there (not necessarily an expert counter of people) told me a few minutes ago that there are now many, many more people than that in Mohammed V square and that the numbers continue to swell.This is not a huge turnout and there has been no violence or heavy-handed policing - though police are said to have been slowing down access to Rabat from neighbouring Sale, considered an Islamist stronghold. A protester on the march in Rabat has told me they are now marching towards the nearby parliament, which may set up a different situation.Demonstrators are out in relative force in Marrakech, though there are no reliable numbers from there yet. Mobile phone video posted at Bambuser.com suggests that demonstrators there can, at the least, be counted in their hundreds. Some tweets suggest thousands. Other protests are being reported in Alhoceima, Imzouren, Agadir and Oujda.
Reports that Moroccan state TV is present may be a sign that authorities are determined to prove themselves more liberal - as they already claim to be - in their treatment of this kind of protest than other countries in the region. Al-Jazeera, of course, remains banned from operating in Morocco.
Protesters have barbecued fish for lunch in Pearl Square in Manama, Bahrain Photograph: Hamad I Mohammed/ReutersA roundup of events reported in Iran from Saeed Kamali Dehghan. These are not confirmed:
A witness in Abbas Abad in north Tehran has told BBC Persian TV that gunshots are being heard in that area. Another witness said that the riot police are shooting into the air in the area where Iran's state TV is situated.
Opposition websites say that the riot police and plain-clothes basij militia are using teargas and wielding batons to disperse protesters in different locations in Tehran. The demonstrations are larger than the one last week that left two people dead.In Rash, a city in northern Iran, one Facebook user reportsclashes between protesters and the riot police on Motahari Street.Sahamnews.org reports that in Isfahan, an ancient city in central Iran, protesters are heading toward Enghelab Square.This video from Tehran apparently shows a group of government-sponsored basij militia riding on motorbikes heading toward the focal points of the protests.Human Rights Activists News Agency says that protesters in Vali-e-Asr square in Tehran are clashing with security forces.
Protesters emboldened by the pull-back of the army prepare barbecued fish for lunch in Pearl Square in Manama, Bahrain.
Police on the streets of Shanghai after an online call for demonstration sparked a crackdown by the Chinese authorities Photograph: ReutersWe have more on the crackdown on planned demonstrations in China - optimistically labelled "the jasmine revolution" - that I mentioned at the beginning of the day. The protests are apparently inspired by the unrest in the Middle East.
Chinese security officials have questioned or detained scores of activists and warned others against staging protests after an online call was made for demonstrations in 13 cities.The message – posted on an overseas website on Saturday – was titled "The jasmine revolution in China"...The message posted said: "You and I are Chinese people who will still have a dream for the future ... we must act responsibly for the future of our descendants." It urged people to shout demands for food, work, housing and fairness.
Another update from Saeed Kamali Dehghan:
The official website of an opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi,Sahamnews.net, is reporting that one demonstrator was killed in Haft-e-Tir Square in central Tehran when security officials opened fire at protesters.
Spreadsheet of victims of the police crackdown in Libya.This shareable Google spreadsheet lists protesters who have been killed during the violence in Libya. We do not know who created it but the idea seems to be based on a similar effort to track people who went missing during the unrest in Egypt.
Moroccans in Rabat demand political reform. Photograph: Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty Images
A combination of better weather, the lack of violence and a fairly light touch from the police seems to have brought many more people out on to the streets. Estimates by people on Twitter range from 600 to 10,000 in Rabat. Spain's El Pais, whose correspondent Ignacio Cembrero is there, is now reporting 4,000 demonstrators.
Some Twitter users such as @BenDahmansuggest tens of thousands are out across the country, though there seems to be some exaggeration going on. Other protests are being reported in Alhoceima, Imzouren, Agadir and Oujda. We will have a better idea of numbers later.Reports that Moroccan state TV is present may be a sign that authorities are determined to prove themselves more liberal - as they already claim to be - in their treatment of this kind of protest than other countries in the region.
Here's a picture of Moroccans demonstrating in Rabat, demanding political reform.
Hilary Clinton has condemned any crackdown on the protesters in Bahrain, according to Reuters:
"We've been very clear from the beginning that we do not want to see any violence. We deplore it. We think it is absolutely unacceptable," Clinton told the ABC News programme This Week, according to a transcript released by the network. She stopped short of calling for regime change.
"We very much want to see the human rights of the people protected, including right to assemble, right to express themselves, and we want to see reform," Clinton said. "And so Bahrain had started on some reform, and we want to see them get back to that as quickly as possible."
More on the protests in Iran from Saeed Kamali Dehghan:
This amateur video, apparently from today's demonstration, shows protesters in Tehran chanting "Mubarak! Ben Ali! Now it's time for Seyed Ali", a reference to Iran's supreme leader, Seyed Ali Khamenei.A supporter of the Green Movement who participated in a protest in Vanak Square in Tehran told the Guardian that people were mostly marching in silence. Riot police tried to disperse protesters by firing teargas and wielding batons.Iran's IRNA state news agency reported that Faezeh Rafsanjani, the daughter of influential cleric and former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, has been arrested in Vali-e-Asr street in Tehran.
Associated Press is reporting that Libyan government forces attacked mourners at a funeral in Benghazi today.
Libyan forces fired machine-guns at mourners marching in a funeral for anti-government protesters in the eastern city of Benghazi Sunday, a day after commandos and foreign mercenaries loyal to longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi pummeled demonstrators with assault rifles and other heavy weaponry.A doctor at one Benghazi hospital said 15 people died in Sunday's clashes. Earlier he said his morgue had received at least 200 dead from six days of unrest. The doctor said his hospital, one of two in Libya's second-largest city, is out of supplies and cannot treat more than 70 wounded in similar attacks on mourners Saturday and other clashes.
Associated Press is reporting that Yemen's president has offered a dialogue with opposition groups. It is reported that 3,000 university students are demonstrating in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital:
Yemen's embattled president on Sunday sought a way out of the political crisis gripping his impoverished Arab nation, offering to oversee a dialogue between his ruling party and the opposition to defuse the ongoing stand-off with protesters demanding his ouster.The offer by the U.S.-backed Ali Abdullah Saleh came as protests demanding that he step down continued for the 11th straight day, with 3,000 university students demonstrating Sunday at Sanaa, the Yemeni capital.The protests pose the most serious challenge to Saleh's rule to date. He has already made a series of concessions, pledging that his son would not succeed him and that he would not seek another term in office. On Sunday, he repeated his offer for negotiations."Dialogue is the best means, not sabotage or cutting off roads," Saleh, in office for more than 30 years, told a news conference. "I am ready to sit on the negotiating table and meet their demands if they are legitimate," said the Yemeni leader, who warned against "infiltrators" seeking to divide Yemenis and sabotage their country.
More on the protests in Iran from Saeed Kamali Dehghan:
This amateur video posted on YouTube shows protesters running away from the security forces, who are riding on motorbikes, in Molasadra street in Tehran.
In Kerman, a province in south Iran, protesters have gathered in Kowsar and Azadi squares.Iran's semi-official FARS news agency, which is under the control of the Revolutionary Guards, has reported that "Tehran is quiet and without any unrest"."Despite the propaganda by the Zionists' media and the protest call by the opposition in Tehran streets, the city is in complete quiet," it said.In Zahedan, a city in south-east Iran, hundreds of protesters are marching from Daneshgah street toward Imam Ali square, according to an opposition blog.In Tabriz, a city in north-west Iran, pro-democracy demonstrators are clashing with riot police in Saat square, according to opposition website Azarbaijan Press News.
The UK Foreign Office has put out this statement saying that William Hague has had contact with Colonel Gaddafi's son.
The Foreign Secretary spoke today with Saif Gaddafi, son of Colonel Gaddafi and the head of the Gaddafi Human Rights Society, about the deteriorating situation in Libya. The Foreign Secretary made clear the UK's grave concern at the escalation in violence. He expressed alarm at reports of large numbers of people being killed or attacked by Libyan security forces. The Foreign Secretary told Mr Gaddafi that the Libyan Government's actions were unacceptable and would result in world-wide condemnation. The Foreign Secretary strongly encouraged the Libyan government to embark on dialogue and implement reforms.We will continue to monitor the situation in Libya and reflect this in our travel advice, which has been updated today to recommend against all but essential travel to Libya. All those British Nationals without a pressing need to remain in the country should leave by commercial means if it is safe to do so. The British Embassy in Libya is in contact with the British Community through our consular warden network and is providing consular assistance and advice.
Yemeni policemen push back government supporters as they shout at anti-government demonstrators, in Sanaa, Yemen Photograph: Muhammed Muheisen/APThe latest from our reporter Nora Fakim in Rabat on the gathering of around 5,000 protesters demanding a new constitution, a change in government and an end to corruption:
"Where has the money gone?" "The people of Morocco want change!" and "We need a new constitution!" were among the chants as they marched peacefully through the Moroccan capital.At the start of the demonstration half of the protesters were from Islamist groups such as the religious association Justice and Spirituality, who disapprove of King Mohammed VI's status as the country's "Commander of the Faithful".However later in the day the range of protesters increased as the weather improved, but the protests remained peaceful and police remained discreet."The atmosphere today is peaceful as it is in our Moroccan nature to be peaceful," a 50-year-old doctor, Mohamed Bebakri, told me. A 30-year-old hairdresser, Mohammed Bouali, held up a sign saying: "God save Morocco and what about those who need better housing and better healthcare?""The poor have been promised better housing as many Moroccans still continue to live in shantytowns," he said. "Many young employed Moroccans also continue to live with their parents as it is too expensive to rent."Boulai explained that he earned less than 1,000 dirhams per month, equivalent to some £85, meaning he must live with his parents and cannot afford to marry.Protesters included those wanting greater rights for people of Berber origin and others who wanted the king to hand over more democratic powers to the people. "The king has too much power and he needs to distribute more money to the people," said 38-year-old Said Benjibli.But other protesters were nervous of criticising the monarchy, with another man telling him not talk about the king.Much of the rage was directed, instead, against the prime minister Abbas el Fassi and the government. "The prime minister needs to step down as he has placed many member if his family in the government," complained 25-year-old Selim el Bousadi."There is only so much the king can do," said 20-year-old student Zachariya Batas. "I believe that there is more needed to be done in society such as improving the housing conditions of many who still live in shantytowns. Unfortunately the government is too corrupt to notice what the Moroccan people want."
Here is a selection of images from today's protests. The picture above shows anti-government protesters in Sana'a, Yemen.
We're going to wind up the live blog now. Here's a brief summary of the day's events:
Libya
Violence continues in the eastern city of Benghazi with foreign militias attacking thousands or perhaps tens of thousands of demonstrators with live ammunition.Reports from the city's hospital suggest that more than 200 have been killed but these are difficult to confirm. There are also reports that the army has fired into the crowds from helicopters. Security forces arereported to have opened fire on mourners at the funerals of anti-government protesters.
Violence continues in the eastern city of Benghazi with foreign militias attacking thousands or perhaps tens of thousands of demonstrators with live ammunition.Reports from the city's hospital suggest that more than 200 have been killed but these are difficult to confirm. There are also reports that the army has fired into the crowds from helicopters. Security forces arereported to have opened fire on mourners at the funerals of anti-government protesters.
Iran
There are reports of demonstrations in Tehran, Tabriz, Zahedan and Kerman. The protests in Tehran have been met with force from plainclothes security men. At least one protester is reported shot and Faezeh Rafsanjani, the daughter of influential cleric and former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is reported to have been arrested.
There are reports of demonstrations in Tehran, Tabriz, Zahedan and Kerman. The protests in Tehran have been met with force from plainclothes security men. At least one protester is reported shot and Faezeh Rafsanjani, the daughter of influential cleric and former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is reported to have been arrested.
Bahrain
Protesters have returned to Pearl roundabout following the army's withdrawal. The mood there is upbeat. Hillary Clinton has backed the protesters and condemned the violence from the security forces.
Protesters have returned to Pearl roundabout following the army's withdrawal. The mood there is upbeat. Hillary Clinton has backed the protesters and condemned the violence from the security forces.
Morocco
Demonstrations have taken place across the country including around 4,000 to 5,000 people on the streets in Rabat. The police and security forces have adopted a low-key approach and there are no reports of significant violence.
Yemen
Around 3,000 students have demonstrated in the capital Sana'a.After 11 days of protest, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has offered a dialogue with opposition groups.
Around 3,000 students have demonstrated in the capital Sana'a.After 11 days of protest, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has offered a dialogue with opposition groups.
Hello, We're reopening the live blog in the light of developments in Libya. I'll try to fill you in on what's been going on this evening, but the latest news is that Libya's ambassador to China, Hussein Sadiq al Musrati, has resigned on air with al-Jazeera Arabic.
He called on the army to intervene, and has called on all diplomatic staff to resign.
Events seem to be moving quite swiftly on the ground in Libya although the key development is the apparent spread of unrest to Tripoli itself.
Reports are coming in of gunfire on the streets of the capital.
Reports are coming in of gunfire on the streets of the capital.
We've had some technical difficulties, and have set up a new blog, covering all of the latest developments in Libya.
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