Bahrain has banned all rallies and demonstrations following months of protests by anti-government activists who have been pressing for a greater political voice since the Arab spring revolts began early last year.
In an announcement by the official Bahrain News Agency, Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who is the interior minister, said political opposition activists had abused what he called the government's tolerance for freedom of expression by allowing protests to turn violent repeatedly.
"It was decided to stop all rallies and gatherings until ensuring that security is maintained ... to protect national unity and social fabric to fight extremism," the news agency said.
It quoted the minister as saying "any illegal rally or gathering would be tackled through legal actions against those calling for it and participants".