MANAMA:
Police have arrested 41 rioters who went on a rampage during New Year's Eve celebrations, damaging cars and properties and assaulting people on Exhibition Avenue, Manama.
An Interior Ministry statement said last night that the rioters, mostly teenagers or people in their 20s, damaged or set ablaze more than 130 cars, of which 95 were completely burned.
More than 2,000 rioters were involved.
"Those involved in the riots will be questioned and referred to trial," it added.
Eyewitnesses yesterday said the rioters attacked several people in the area, seriously injuring some.
The ministry statement said the rioters also damaged the windows of American fast food restaurant - Jasmi's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and seven hotels in the area.
One witness said the rioters had been celebrating the New Year on Exhibition Avenue "before they went crazy, attacking foreigners and damaging properties."
"I have seen people covered with blood at a police station in Manama," the witness said.
(blob) Parliament foreign affairs, defence and public security chairman Ahmed Behzad called for a multi-party panel to probe into the violence and tackle its motives.
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