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Clashes erupt after funeral in Bahrain

(AP) MANAMA, Bahrain - Police in Bahrain fired tear gas at protesters following the funeral for a 22-year-old man whose family claims he was fatally injured during clashes earlier this month in the Gulf kingdom.

Hundreds of people marched Saturday toward a police station after the burial of Fadhel Mirza, who died early Saturday after suffering head injuries March 1.

His family said he was hit at close range by a tear gas canister while walking near street battles between Shiite-led protesters and security forces for Bahrain's Sunni monarchy. In the clashes after his funeral, some protesters threw firebombs at police. There were no reports of injuries.

More than 45 people have died in 13 months of unrest in Bahrain, where majority Shiites seek greater rights from Sunni rulers.

Authorities also made hundreds of arrests as part of the crackdowns, including 20 medical personnel from Bahrain's main state hospital charged with anti-state crimes. In a statement Saturday, the government said it would now pursue charges against five of the medical professionals and refer the others to a medical disciplinary board.

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