By Samyuktha Krishnappa: Subscribe to Samyuktha's RSS feed
February 16, 2011 8:23 AM EST
As protests inspired by Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions spread across the Arab World, internet and social media platforms which emerged as potent tools for churning up dissent in the earlier movements continue to play a crucial role even in the latest upheaval in Libya, Bahrain as well as in Iran.
Protests Spark Off in Libya
Demonstrations seeking the ouster of government sparked off in Libya on Wednesday when hundreds of protesters took to streets in the city of Benghazi. The unrest was sparked off by the arrest of an outspoken critic of the government and human rights lawyer Muammar Gaddafi. Although the lawyer was released, the protests continued.
Quoting witnesses, media reports state that protesters in the port city chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi. In fact, Muammar Gadhafi, who has ruled the nation for more than 40 years since a coup in 1969, has also come under pressure.
Reports suggest that the protesters clashed with police as well as pro-government civilians leading to some injuries.
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Boiling Bahrain turns peaceful after King's assurances
Meanwhile in Bahrain, thousands gathered for the peaceful funeral procession for a Bahraini man, who was killed when clashes erupted during the another protester's funeral procession. So far, the procession has been peaceful as there is no interference from the police.
The atmosphere turned to calm after the Persian Gulf island's king has not only vowed to investigate the killings allegedly use of pellet guns at short range by Bahrain's security forces but also to consider reforms. On Tuesday, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced on television that a committee would be set up to study proposed reforms.
Bahrain is ruled by a Sunni Muslim royal family.
Opposition-fueled movement in Iran
Iran plunged into turmoil on Monday, when thousands of supporters of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi took to the streets in solidarity with the opposition movements in Tunisia and Egypt. Clashes ensued leading to two deaths. While Opposition claimed 1,500 people have been detained, official figures stand at 150.
Fresh clashes erupted in Tehran on Wednesday during the funeral of a student killed in anti-government protests. The funeral procession of the student, identified as Saneh Jaleh (26) started at Tehran University in the centre of the capital. Pro-government and anti-government protesters clashed during the procession.
Internet, Social Media continue to be weapons as well as information outlets
The dissidents in Bahrain, Libya and Iran are not only following the footsteps of their counterparts in Egypt and Tunisia by taking a pro-democracy stand, but have also chosen the same tools to mobilise the revolution - internet. Besides aiding the protests, internet and social media have also emerged as an information outlet for the worldwide media and people across the globe.
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