Police forces fired tear gas and sound grenades to disperse anti-government demonstrators protesting for political reforms in Manama on Friday.

Several groups protesters gathered after Friday prayers in different parts of the capital to demand the release of political prisoners, broad constitutional reforms, and an end to the monarchy that has ruled Bahrain for 200 years.

A video shared by activists showed tear gas engulfing the streets of the capital while protesters continued chanting "Down with Hamad, down with Hamad", in reference to Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Bahrain.

According to activists, several protesters have been arrested.

The tiny oil-rich kingdom has been wracked by unrest since pro-democracy demonstrations began in February 2011.

According to activists more than 80 people have died since the beginning of the uprising, which was inspired by successful uprising in Tunisia and Egypt. This number cannot be verified as foreign media and rights organizations are regularly denied entry into the country.