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MANAMA (Reuters) - Shi'ite Muslim protesters filled streets in Manama on Tuesday demanding the fall of the Sunni-run government in the biggest protest since unrest began last week, while the return of a key opposition figure was delayed.
Tens of thousands of opposition supporters marched to Pearl Square -- the focal point of the week-long protests in central Manama -- to press demands for political reform in a country dominated by the Sunni Muslim minority.
Led by opposition groups such as Wefaq and Waad, it was the first organized demonstration and followed spontaneous protests by a rising youth movement relying on social media.
"We want the fall of the government" was the most common chant. "Some want the family out but most (want) only the prime minister (to quit)," said protester Abbas al-Fardan. "We want a new government, the people need to rule the country."
The protesters want a constitutional monarchy, in contrast to the current system where Bahrainis vote for a parliament that has little power and policy remains the preserve of an elite centered on the al-Khalifa family.
The al-Khalifa dynasty has ruled Bahrain for 200 years, and the family dominates a cabinet led by the king's uncle, who has been prime minister since independence in 1971.
Hassan Mushaimaa, leader of the opposition Haq movement, had said on his Facebook page on Monday that he wanted to see if the island nation's leadership was serious about dialogue or if it
would arrest him and was due to arrive on Tuesday evening.
Mushaimaa, who is based in London, is one of 25 people on trial since last year over an alleged coup plot but a statement by King Hamad bin Isa on Monday hinted that the trial would be shelved, allowing Mushaimaa an unhindered return.
But Mushaimaa was unabled to board his flight to Bahrain in Beirut where he had landed earlier for a planned stopover.
Abbas al-Amran, who described himself as a friend of Mushaimaa, told Reuters from London that Mushaimaa's name had probably still been blacklisted on security lists.
"He could not catch any other flight tonight so probably he will fly tomorrow," he said.
State media said the king had ordered the release of convicted prisoners whose names would be released on Wednesday and a stop to ongoing court cases -- opposition figures said they understood this to mean the trial will be shelved.
"We're expecting this even though we don't know for sure," said Jasim Husain of the Shi'ite Wefaq group.
It was not clear if this would be enough to bring opposition groups into a dialogue that King Hamad has asked his son, the crown prince, to conduct.
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