If any of you read the story of a Bahraini blogger being arrested for “hate speech,” then this is a very encouraging story for everyone.

Chan’ad recounts how a row of 200 peaceful protestors along Hall of Exhibition Avenue were stared down by a phalanx of riot police. Tensions evidently heated up, with protestors staging a sit-down in front of the officers, but all remained peaceful and organizers eventually ended the rally early at 8:30 to avoid an escalation.

Chan’ad notes that four people were inexplicably arrested before the protest even began, and that police had blocked off part of the Avenue to prevent pedestrian on-lookers. Here’s some play-by-play from Chan’ad:
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Protestors announced that they will return to protest every week until the three bloggers are released. Other protests are planned for the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain. Don’t miss Chan’ad’s full-post for more vidid photos and commentary.

Only a few years ago, these protests would have passed in silence. Today, we can follow them nearly in real-time, thanks to bloggers like Chan’ad.

Go to read the play by play and see the pictures. Hat tip to the Instapundit.