Hardline Shi'ite groups (form a coalition to topple the Sunni monarchy &) demand republic in Bahrain [View All]

[Turborama]

Source: Reuters Via Australian Yahoo News

Lin Noueihed | March 9, 2011, 1:34 am (Western Australia Time)

MANAMA (Reuters) - Three hardline Bahraini Shi'ite groups said on Tuesday they had formed a coalition aimed at toppling the Sunni monarchy and setting up a republic, raising tensions days ahead of a planned march on the royal court.

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The new "Coalition for a Republic," made up of Al Haq, Wafa and the Freedom movement, called for peaceful change through a decentralised movement of civil disobedience and resistance.

Consisting of groups much smaller than the main opposition Wefaq movement, the new coalition risks splitting the broader Shi'ite opposition movement that is demanding an elected government and a true constitutional monarchy, as well as better access to jobs within the system.

"This tripartite coalition adopts the choice of bringing down the existing regime in Bahrain and establishing a democratic republican system," Haq leader Hassan Mushaimaa told reporters at Pearl roundabout, where protesters are camped out.

Read more: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/8975481/hardline-shiite-groups-demand-republic-in-bahrain/

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