Clashes erupt in Bahrain protest

As Bahrain gears up to host the Formula One grand prix at the end of this month, protests are flaring up around the capital.

On Friday (April 13), thousands of protesters joined a funeral procession in Salmabad, just outside Manama.

The funeral was for an anti-government protester Ahmed Ismail, who was shot to death during a rally the day before.

His family and opposition members blamed his death on pro-government militia.

Clashes erupted following the funeral.

Protesters were throwing petrol bombs and police used tear gas against them.

Bahrain has become bitterly divided since authorities clamped down on last year's pro-democracy uprising, led mainly by Shi-ites.

A year on, protests continue, often ending in violence.

Protesters are calling for limits to the ruling family's power and an end to sectarian discrimination. Opposition parties are saying the government's promises of reform are merely lip service.

But the Gulf state is keen to show that it's making progress, after it was criticised for its crackdown.

The Formula One event will do a lot to shore up Bahrain's image, but it also highlights concerns on security and human rights violations.

Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.