Bahrain Promises To Rebuild Demolished Mosques

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Bahrain says it will rebuild 12 Shiite mosques demolished by authorities during unrest against the Gulf nation’s Sunni-led monarchy.

The work seeks to address allegations of abuses raised by an independent report on the uprising by the country’s Shiite majority for greater rights. As part of the widespread crackdowns, Bahraini authorities razed Shiite mosques they claimed were built illegally or had other violations.

A government statement Thursday says work has begun on five mosques and construction will begin soon on the seven others.

Bahrain’s Shiites began protests last February on the strategic island kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. More than 35 people have died in the unrest.