Crackdown in Bahrain

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

STORY: The Gulf Arab state of Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet is based, has been hit by unrest since pro-democracy protests broke out in early 2011, putting it in the frontline of the region-wide tussle between Shi'ite Muslim Iran and Sunni Arab states such as Saudi Arabia.

Next weekend's Formula One Grand Prix is the biggest sporting event hosted by the U.S.-allied country whose government is hoping for a big turnout at this year's event despite continuing violent unrest.

Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch said police had detained 20 opposition activists in towns near the Formula One circuit. Bahrain denied the report and said four people had been detained on suspicion being linked to a recent firebomb attack on the Foreign Ministry building.

Bahraini Chief of Police Tariq Al Hassan says he always follows protocol.

Almost daily demonstrations have taken place in Bahrain since the end of martial law in June 2