Bahrain has banned all rallies and demonstrations following months of protests by anti-government activists who have been pressing for a greater political voice since the Arab spring revolts began early last year.
In an announcement by the official Bahrain News Agency, Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who is the interior minister, said political opposition activists had abused what he called the government's tolerance for freedom of expression by allowing protests to turn violent repeatedly.
"It was decided to stop all rallies and gatherings until ensuring that security is maintained ... to protect national unity and social fabric to fight extremism," the news agency said.
It quoted the minister as saying "any illegal rally or gathering would be tackled through legal actions against those calling for it and participants".
Bahrain, a Persian Gulf kingdom ruled by a Sunni-led monarchy, has been roiled by protests and violence because of tensions with the Shiite majority, who have been seeking more power.
The Bahraini authorities have been criticised by international rights groups for previous crackdowns on opposition activists, the prosecution of medical workers who have aided wounded activists, and the heavy and indiscriminate use of tear gas and other weapons, including birdshot, to dispel protesters.
