Bahrain began freeing political and other prisoners today, including 23 accused of seeking to overthrow the kingdom's Sunni Muslim monarchy, a Shia opposition lawmaker said.
"It is a positive move," Ibrahim Mattar of the main Shia Wefaq party said, saying more than 100 prisoners had been released before dawn, but dozens remained in jail. Those released included 21 common criminals, he said.
The release of political prisoners has been a demand of protesters seeking an elected government in Bahrain, where seven people were killed and hundreds wounded in protests last week.
"Allowing the people to protest and releasing those people are positive moves," Mr Mattar said. Opposition groups were waiting for the royal family to accept the principle of a constitutional monarchy before they would enter into a dialogue.
"The main point we are waiting for is the initiative for political reform. Until now they didn't promise anything," Mr Mattar said.
"If they don't say it, we are wasting our time."
Reuters
