Bahrain warns against Egypt-inspired protests

A Shiite protester waves a Bahrain flag during a rally in Manama, on March 22, 2011. The authorities in Bahrain have warned people not to join protests planned for next month by a new opposition campaign named after Egypt's "Tamarod" opposition movement. (AFP/File)

DUBAI (AFP) – The authorities in Bahrain have warned people not to join protests planned for next month by a new opposition campaign named after Egypt's "Tamarod" opposition movement.

The interior ministry issued the warning late Saturday about "illegal demonstrations and activities that endanger security" following calls for protests under the slogan "Bahrain Tamarod" (Rebellion in Arabic).

The Bahrain Rebellion Movement issued its first communique online on July 3, calling for a demonstration on the August 14 anniversary of British forces leaving in 1971.

The interior ministry of the tiny Gulf nation warned that security forces will "deal with any attempt to disturb security and stability".

Egypt's Tamarod campaign launched protests that prompted the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi by the army on July 3.

Protests are frequent in the Shiite-majority kingdom ruled by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty, despite a 2011 crackdown on mass protests inspired by Arab Spring uprisings.

At least 80 people have been killed in Bahrain since the protests erupted, according to the International Federation for Human Rights.