The clashes on Saturday included demonstrators hurling fire bombs and challenging riot police carrying out arrest raids in the Persian Gulf kingdom, The Associated Press reported. 

 

Meanwhile, Bahraini security forces attacked the homes of anti-government protesters in the northern town of Bilad al-Qadim as the crackdown on Saturday.

 

Bahrain says it will not approve further opposition marches, claiming they disrupt everyday life. Dozens of state-authorized opposition marches have been held, but most demonstrations are spontaneous street protests that lead to clashes.

 

The government's decision is likely to escalate confrontations between the monarchy and protesters.

 

Also on Saturday, Bahrain deported American filmmaker Jen Marlowe following the shooting of a documentary on the violent crackdown on anti-regime protesters.

 

The expulsion comes after authorities accused Marlowe of falsifying her visa application and shooting the documentary without permission, Press TV reported.

 

Saudi-backed regime forces have imposed a strict media blackout in order to prevent the international community from gaining a true picture of crimes being committed against anti-regime activists across the kingdom.

 

"Marlowe is affiliated with members of the International Solidarity Movement (ISI) organization, some of whom had resorted to similar illegal entry tactics in February of this year," a Bahraini regime official said.

 

Earlier in February, Manama announced the expulsion of 12 other human rights experts, who intended to take part in the first anniversary of popular protests against the Al Khalifa dynasty.

 

Bahrainis have been staging demonstrations since mid-February 2011, demanding political reform and a constitutional monarchy, a demand that later changed to an outright call for the ouster of the ruling Al Khalifa family following its brutal crackdown on peaceful protests.

 

Scores of people have been killed and many others have been injured in the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful protesters in Bahrain.

 

Bahrainis hold King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa responsible for the death and arrest of protesters.