Four Americans arrested in anti-regime protests in Bahrain
Four American journalists have been arrested in Bahrain while covering the anniversary of the country’s 2011 uprising.
The American Embassy in Manama issued a statement on Monday, saying it was "aware of the arrest of four US citizens in Bahrain," but it could not provide details due to privacy concerns.
The Americans were detained on Sunday for providing "false information that they were tourists" in order to enter the country, but they carried out "media activity without a license," according to an Interior Ministry statement.
"At least some of the arrestees were in the country as members of the international media, but had not registered with the concerned authority and were involved in illegal activities," the statement said.
Bahraini police alleged that one of the journalists was seen "wearing a mask and participating in attacks on police” in the town of Sitra.
Witnesses told the Associated Press that the Americans were being held while police were clamping down on protesters.
According to Reporters Without Borders, the journalists consist of a woman, identified as Anna Day, and three male members of her camera crew.
The non-profit organization described the Americans as experienced journalists, who have most recently worked on virtual reality documentaries in Egypt and Gaza.
Meanwhile, the state-run Bahrain News Agency said the journalists had "been afforded full legal rights in line with the kingdom's procedures and constitution while investigations continue."
Since February 14, 2011, thousands of anti-regime protesters have held numerous demonstrations on an almost daily basis in the kingdom, calling for the Al Khalifah family to relinquish power amid a media blackout.
Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of others injured or arrested in the ongoing heavy-handed crackdown on anti-regime rallies.
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