AL-MANAMA, Bahrain: Mourning processions and gatherings to mark the anniversary of martyrdom of Al-Imam Al-Hadi (AS) were held across the tiny kingdom but Bahraini police clashed with mourners at the processions in villages throughout the country.

Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, sound grenades and birdshot to break up Sunday's marches, which were taking place in several villages around Manama, the country's capital, the witnesses said.

"The targeting of processions is a flagrant violation of freedom to practice religious rites," said a statement from five senior Shi'ite clerics, including Sheikh Issa Qassim.

"The tight security policing must end and people's rights must be respected," it said.

Shi'ite villagers, some beating their chests and chanting religious verses as they marched through the streets, were commemorating Imam Al-Hadi (AS) martyrdom anniversary.