Mazen Mahdi / EPA

Traffic comes to a stop due to a blockade of burning tires on the outskirts of the Bahraini capital Manama on April 18, 2013.

Mazen Mahdi / EPA

A protester flashes the victory sign after setting tires on fire to block a road on the outskirts of the Bahraini capital Manama on April 18.

 By Reem Khalifa, The Associated Press

Organizers of Bahrain's Grand Prix said Thursday that sporadic protests against the race and violent unrest across the Gulf nation do not pose a threat to the premier international event in the kingdom.

Anti-government groups have stepped up protests against the race in attempts to embarrass authorities, but the demonstrations have been mostly isolated to areas that are hotbeds of opposition to the ruling royal family. Rights groups also are using the race to criticize Bahrain's arrests and other security crackdowns.

Bahrain has faced more than two years of violence between the Sunni-led government and majority Shiites seeking a greater political voice. 

Read full story

Mazen Mahdi / EPA

A bulldozer used by the police to clear the streets passes graffiti in memory of killed protesters that reads "Don't race on our blood," in Duraz village, north of the Bahraini capital Manama, on April 18.

Hasan Jamali / AP

A riot police officer jumps a fence to extinguish a tire fire set by Bahraini anti-government protesters in Sehla, Bahrain, on April 18.

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A woman runs for cover from tear gas fired by riot police during clashes with protesters, who tried to reach Salmaniya hospital to get the dead body of Mahmud al-Jaziri, on Feb. 25, 2013 in the village of Zinj, a suburb of Manama, Bahrain.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini boys look at an anti-government protester, unseen, as he adds fuel to old furniture being set on fire in a street in Malkiya on Feb. 26, 2013.

Protests were held in opposition-heavy villages across Bahrain on Tuesday as demonstrators demanded that the government release the body of a 20-year-old who died last week from injuries sustained during earlier clashes with police.

Mahmud al-Jaziri succumbed to his wounds after he was shot during demonstrations commemorating the second anniversary of the Gulf kingdom’s 2011 uprising.

The protesters are calling for al-Jaziri's body to be released for burial.

Editor's note: The Bahraini government disputes the demonstrators' claims, and says the body was released on Feb. 22.

-- Reporting from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse

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Teenager killed as Bahrain marks uprising anniversary

Slideshow: 2011 Bahrain uprising

Mazen Mahdi / EPA

Protesters set a junked car on fire in Qadam village, north of the Bahraini capital Manama, on Feb. 14, 2013, the second anniversary of the start of a pro-democracy uprising in the Gulf island kingdom.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Wounded anti-government protesters are treated at a house after being shot with pellets fired by riot police during clashes in Daih on Feb. 14, 2013. Protests began at daybreak in opposition areas nationwide as protesters attempted to return to the well-barricaded main site of the uprising.

Hasan Jamali / AP

A protester gestures toward riot police during clashes in Daih on Feb. 14, 2013.

Reuters reports — A Bahraini teenager was killed by security forces on Thursday, an opposition website reported, as activists demonstrated on the second anniversary of an uprising demanding democratic reforms in the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state.

The protests could mar reconciliation talks that began on Sunday between mostly Shiite Muslim opposition groups and the Sunni-dominated government to try to end two years of political deadlock in the island kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Fifth Fleet.

Mass protests that erupted in the island state in February 2011 at the height of the Arab Spring were crushed, but small demonstrations continue on an almost daily basis demanding greater rights for Bahrain's Shiite majority and an end to the absolute power of the Sunni ruling family.

Mazen Mahdi / EPA

Protesters march in Barbar village, north of Manama, on Feb. 14, 2013.

The website of the main opposition group Wefaq said a young man identified as Ali Ahmed Ibrahim al-Jazeeri had died in the village of Diya near Manama in an area mostly inhabited by Shiites. It said Jazeeri, born in 1996, had been shot by security forces using exploding bullets, banned internationally.

Dozens of people were also hurt in the violence, some by tear gas and other more seriously, it said.

The government's information department said a 16-year-old boy had been brought to the Salmaniya Medical Complex in the capital Manama and had been pronounced dead on arrival.

"The cause of death is as yet unknown. The case has been referred to the public prosecution and a thorough investigation is being conducted," it said in a statement, urging people to remain calm and "not to spread unfounded rumors". Read the full story.

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Analysis: Arabs mired in messy transitions two years after heady uprisings

Slideshow: 2011 Bahrain uprising

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Protesters clash with police in Daih on Feb. 14, 2013.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini anti-government protesters participate in a rally in Sitra, Bahrain, on Feb. 13. Clashes erupted in several opposition villages around the kingdom on the eve of the second anniversary of a pro-democracy uprising.

• Talks to end Bahrain crisis begin amid mistrust
• Bahrainis divided as leaders start reconciliation talks

Hasan Jamali / AP

A Bahraini anti-government protester gestures toward riot police, unseen, as she covers her face against tear gas in the narrow market streets of the capital of Manama, Bahrain, Oct. 12, 2012.

Reuters reports — Police in Bahrain fired teargas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of stone-throwing anti-government protesters marching in the old market area of central Manama on Friday, witnesses said.

About 10 people were arrested, they said.

Thousands took part in a second march along a stretch of highway outside the capital Manama, which passed without incident, witnesses said. This one was permitted by the authorities, unlike the march in central Manama.

The main opposition bloc al-Wefaq organized the larger march, under the slogan "Stop the shedding of our blood; we will not give up our demands."

Hasan Jamali / AP

A masked Bahraini anti-government protester stands in clouds of tear gas fired by riot police during clashes after police dispersed a march through narrow market streets of the capital of Manama, Bahrain, Oct. 12.

Mazen Mahdi / EPA

Bahraini anti-riot policemen detain a man as opposition protesters attempt to march in the old market place of Manama, Oct. 12.

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Hasan Jamali / AP

Riot police watch for Bahraini anti-government protesters, unseen, near tire fires set by protesters in Sanabis, Bahrain, Oct. 5, 2012. Riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Friday to disperse hundreds of anti-government protesters trying to reach a heavily guarded site that was once the hub of their uprising.

Associated Press reports — Riot police in Bahrain used water cannons and tear gas on Friday to disperse hundreds of anti-government protesters trying to reach a heavily guarded site that was once the hub of their uprising.

The demonstrators marched toward Pearl Square in Bahrain's capital, Manama, after a funeral procession for a protester who died in custody. The government said the man died of a blood disease.

An Associated Press photographer said the demonstrators hurled firebombs and rocks at troops about 700 meters from Pearl Square, where crowds gathered in Feb. 2011 as the Arab Spring-inspired uprising erupted in the Gulf nation.

Bahrain's majority Shiites seek greater rights in the Sunni-ruled kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. At least 50 people have died in nearly 20 months of unrest.

Dozens of opposition leaders have been jailed, including human rights activist Nabeel Rajab whose family said he began a hunger strike Friday.

Rajab was temporarily freed from prison this week to attend his mother's funeral, but the furlough was cut short after he delivered a speech urging for protests to continue.

Learn more about Bahrain

Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini anti-government protesters throw petrol bombs at a police water cannon truck during clashes with riot police in Sanabis, Bahrain, Oct. 5.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini anti-government protesters throw bottles of paint and petrol bombs at a police water cannon truck during clashes in Sanabis, Bahrain, Oct. 5.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini anti-government protesters carry crates of homemade paint and petrol bombs into clashes with riot police in Sanabis, Bahrain, Oct. 5.

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Hasan Jamali / AP

Riot police stand on a street sprayed wet by water cannons and fire tear gas at anti-government protesters throwing stones and petrol bombs on the outskirts of the capital of Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Riot police fire tear gas as they chase Bahraini anti-government protesters throwing stones and petrol bombs on the outskirts of the capital of Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini anti-government protesters throwing stones and petrol bombs and carrying national flags clash with riot police firing tear gas and water cannons on the outskirts of the capital of Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini anti-government protesters throwing stones and petrol bombs and carrying national flags clash with riot police firing tear gas and water cannons on the outskirts of the capital of Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.

Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters

Friends and well-wishers of Mohammed Ali Moshaima carry his photo as they march during the funeral procession in the village of Jidhafs, west of Manama, Bahrain, October 2, 2012. Moshaima, who was sentenced to 7 years in prison in the protest case at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, died from sickle-cell disease, Bahrain authorities said.

Hundreds of angry mourners split off from a massive funeral procession for Muhammed Mushaima, 23, who died in police custody, and marched toward the nearby site of last year's pro-democracy uprising, clashing with police just outside the heavily barricaded area.

The Daily Star in Lebanon reports that Mushaima was taken to the hospital for treatment for sickle-cell anemia on Aug. 29 and lawyers had requested his release due to his failing health. Several other protesters have also died from the disease, a hereditary condition common in Bahrain, while in custody, prompting Human Rights Watch to call for an investigation. 

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Story: Bahrain says 29 arrested on Friday during protests

More photos from Bahrain on PhotoBlog

Mazen Mahdi / EPA

A man gets caught in a cloud of tear gas fired by police, in background, as they raid a market place in search of suspected protesters in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 7, 2012.

Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters

A protester shouts anti-government slogans during a march in downtown Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 7.

MANAMA (Reuters) — Police fired tear gas and stun grenades at dozens of anti-government protesters who defied a ban on unauthorized demonstrations and marched in the center of Bahraini capital Manama on Friday.

Bahrain, where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is based, has been in political turmoil since a protest movement dominated by majority Shi'ite Muslims erupted in February 2011 during a wave of revolts against authoritarian governments across the Arab world.

The Sunni Muslim ruling Al Khalifa family put down the uprising with martial law, troops from Saudi Arabia and police from the United Arab Emirates, but unrest has resumed, with almost daily clashes between Shi'ites and police. Full story…

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Hasan Jamali / AP

Bahraini anti-government protesters run from tear gas fired by riot police in the heart of the Gulf's kingdom's capital Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 7.

Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters

A protester shows a hand-held tear-gas grenade fired by riot police during an anti-government march in downtown Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 7.

Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters

Protesters flash victory sign as they shout anti-government slogans during a march in downtown Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 7.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Masked anti-government protesters who set fire to tires in response to court rulings earlier in the day run with petrol bombs as police approach in the western village of Malkiya, Bahrain, on Sept. 4.

Hasan Jamali / AP

Masked anti-government protesters burn tires on the main street of the western village of Malkiya, Bahrain, on Sept. 4, responding to court rulings earlier in the day.

Reuters -- A Bahraini civilian court on Tuesday upheld sentences of up to life in prison against leaders of last year's pro-democracy uprising, a decision that could dim prospects for defusing unrest in the small Gulf Arab state.

Amnesty International, a London-based human rights group, described the ruling as outrageous.

Bahrain, where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is based, has been in political turmoil since a protest movement dominated by majority Shi'ite Muslims erupted in February 2011 during a wave of revolts against authoritarian governments across the Arab world.

Read the full story.

Hasan Jamali / AP

A Bahraini child watches from behind debris as masked anti-government protesters with petrol bombs, unseen, clash with riot police firing tear gas and birdshot in the western village of Malkiya, Bahrain, on Sept. 4.

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Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

A Shiite Muslim reading the Koran before starting an anti-government rally in solidarity with jailed human rights and political activists in the village of Sitra, south of Manama, Bahrain, in the early hours of August 14, 2012. Several activists have been sent to jail since the start of Shiite led pro-democracy protests in the Gulf kingdom February 2011.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

Shiite Muslims run for cover from tear gas and bird shots fired by riot police in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

Shiite Muslims take part in a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

An elderly Shiite Muslim man walks along a street during clashes between protestors and riot police in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

Riot police try to disperse a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

A Shiite protester throwing Molotov cocktails towards riot police, who fired tear gas and birdshot in response, during clashes following a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

Shiite Muslims attend a demonstration in Sitra on August 14, 2012.

Reuters reports — Bahrain's Shiites complain they have long been marginalized in political and economic life, which the government denies. But there has been no progress on the main opposition demand for a parliament with full powers to legislate and form governments.

Bahrain's Sunni rulers have rejected opposition calls for an elected government, and protests and clashes with police continue.

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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.

Mohammed Al-Shaikh / AFP - Getty Images

An injured Shiite Muslim rests after being treated inside a house in Sitra on July 30, 2012.

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• In Bahrain, Twitter tells the story of police, protesters and Formula One race
• Bahrain to citizens abroad: Spy on countrymen
• More images of Bahrain on PhotoBlog

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