ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
Video emerged on Saturday (March 10) of tens of thousands of Bahrainis taking to the streets to demand democratic reforms, stepping up pressure on the U.S.-allied government in the biggest protest yet.
The protest which took place on Friday (March 9) started along a highway near Manama after the protesters responded to a call from leading Shi'ite cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, who urged people to renew their calls for greater democracy.
Video footage obtained by Reuters showed images of the protesters carrying banners denouncing "dictatorship" and demanding the release of detainees.
Activists said riot police blocking the road fired tear gas and the interior ministry said protesters threw stones.
Activists also reported clashes with police later in the capital's Makharqa district, as well as in the village of Eker southeast of the Manama.
