TEHRAN – Tehran’s interim Friday prayer leader has said the Bahraini government is following the path of the former Iranian king Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, asking the Arab sheikdom to “respect its people”.

“The people of Bahrain are out stronger and more fervid than previous years,” said Kazzem Seddiqi, ISNA news agency reported.

The people of Bahrain want suffrage and independence, they would not tolerate despotism, the cleric said, adding, “You (Bahraini rulers) are loathed by God and the people.”

SP/PA