A committee spearheading a campaign to free jailed human rights activist Abdul Hadi Al Khawaja has suspended all public demonstrations until the end of Ramadan, it was revealed yesterday.
The decision was taken after protests turned violent in Sanabis on Friday and Saturday night.
A spokesman for the committee said the actions of some demonstrators were damaging efforts to free Mr Al Khawaja.
He added that the two demonstrations in Sanabis were not organised by the committee, which is basing its campaign on peaceful protest.
"We condemn any act of violence," said the committee spokesman.
"It is going against our aim of releasing Abdul Hadi by peaceful means.
"The committee met on Saturday night and decided to freeze its public demonstrations until the end of Ramadan."
However, the spokesman added that the committee would continue working peacefully behind the scenes for the release of Mr Al Khawaja, who was arrested after making a speech at a poverty seminar in September.
He faces charges which include inciting hatred against the government.
The committee campaigning to free Mr Al Khawaja was responsible for organising two major rallies over the past 11 days, in which protesters drove in large convoys to Manama.

Robert Smith - Manama
Gulf Daily News - 01 - 11 - 2004