Bahrain fishermen land net victory over king's cousin

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

MANAMA (AFP) — Fishermen in a Shiite village in Sunni-ruled Bahrain who were in danger of losing their livelihood in a row with a royal family member celebrated on Tuesday after the king intervened on their behalf.

The latest dispute threatened to raise tensions within Bahrain's majority Shiite community, which continues to feel discriminated against despite reforms introduced by King Hamad, including restoring an elected parliament in 2002.

The long-running feud centred around traps belonging to a cousin of the monarch that had been laid in coastal waters and prevented access to fishing grounds for local fishermen.

"Had it not been for pressure from residents, these illegal fish traps would not have been removed," said one of scores of residents of...