Minister sacked over violent protest

Bahrain's king sacked his interior minister yesterday after police attacked a demonstration to protest the actions of US-led forces in Iraqi holy cities, official media said.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa replaced Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa with another member of the royal family, Rashed bin Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, the official news agency said.

"We share the anger of our people over the oppression and aggression taking place in Palestine and in the holy shrines (in Iraq). People had a right to peaceful protests. We are investigating," the agency quoted the king as saying.