Freed Politician, Thousands Protest in Bahrain Thousands of people have marched in the tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, demanding more reforms in the country. Among the protesters Friday was prominent opposition figure Khalil al-Marzooq, freed Thursday as he faces charges of encouraging violence. He has denied any support for bombings and other attacks, which have been on the rise. Protesters chanted anti-government slogans Friday and some masked youths confronted police. An Associated Press journalist saw police fire tear gas at demonstrators.