Bahrain protests go on as government announces rights investigation

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

A protester holds a molotov cocktail bomb during clashes with riot police in the village of Sitra, south of Manama, Bahrain, on July 30, 2012. Protesters marched in the streets in many areas.

Bahrain's Interior Ministry says it is opening investigations into possible rights violations by police during crackdowns on opposition protesters, The Associated Press reported on Sunday.

Clashes continued in the restive village of Sitra on Monday, with Agence France Presse reporting that wounded demonstrators are afraid to go to hospital for treatment because they are afraid that they will be arrested.

More than 50 people have died in unrest since February 2011 in the strategic kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

Shiite Muslims take part in an anti-government demonstration in Sitra on July 30, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

Shiite Muslim medics treat a wounded demonstrator inside a house in Sitra on July 30, 2012, fearing arrest if they go to the local hospital for treatment, after clashes erupted between riot police firing tear gas and birdshot and youths throwing petrol bombs and rocks.