Dozens of protesters staged a rally on Tuesday in the capital of Manama in tribute ot "those who sacrificed their lives" and to demand the release of political prisoners.

Mainly women attended the protest. They chanted anti-regime slogans such as "down with Hamad", but also emphasized the non-violent aspect of the protest chanting "peaceful, peaceful." According to activists at least two women have been arrested.

Human rights activist Said Yousif who attended the protest said the riot police fired sound grenades to the protesters without any warnings.

After being dispersed once protesters reconvened in another area of Manama.

The protest was organized on Twitter by activists thus defying the regime who warned last week that "perpetrators and people who use print, broadcast and social media to encourage illegal protest and violence around the country" will be severely sanctioned. The hashtag used was #let_march_in_Manama.

The Gulf kingdom has been experiencing turmoil for more than a year. The Shi'ite community, which constitutes the majority of the Bahraini population, say they feel marginalized by the Sunni ruling family and demand democratic reforms. According to activists more than 80 people have died in the country's uprising which started in February last year.

Videos from today's protest

Photo courtesy of Said Yousif