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Bahrain eyes tougher sentence for attacking police

Tue Jan 24, 2012 12:32 AM EST
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Associated Press
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<p>Bahraini anti-government protesters, some carrying Molotov cocktails, clash with riot police Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, in the eastern village of Ma'ameer, Bahrain. Clashes erupted as residents began a procession to mark the third day after the death of Yaseen al-Asfoor, 14, whose death the opposition blames on tear gas inhalation. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)</p>

Bahraini anti-government protesters, some carrying Molotov cocktails, clash with riot police Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, in the eastern village of Ma'ameer, Bahrain. Clashes erupted as residents began a procession to mark the third day after the death of Yaseen al-Asfoor, 14, whose death the opposition blames on tear gas inhalation. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)

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MANAMA — Bahrain's interior minister is calling for tougher laws that could bring up to 15 years in prison for an attack on security personnel or their families.

The proposal by Lt. Gen. Sheik Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa seeks to strengthen the government's hand against escalating pro-reform protests by the kingdom's Shiite majority.

The official Bahrain News Agency says the plan was sent to the country's parliament Monday for review. The chamber is dominated by pro-government lawmakers.

Bahrain claims more than 40 riot police were injured last week in attacks that included the hurling of firebombs.

The Shiite-led uprising seeking greater rights began nearly a year ago. Authorities worry that unrest will increase before the Feb. 14 anniversary.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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