Bahrain’s Parliament accepts resignation of remaining seven opposition lawmakers

Bahrain's parliament accepted on Tuesday the resignations of the remaining seven opposition MPs, who had walked out along with 11 others in February in protest against violence.

The parliament announced "accepting the resignation of the remaining members representing Al-Wefaq Islamic Association in the chamber," BNA state news agency said.

The 18 MPs had quit the parliament in February after security forces opened fire at demonstrators demanding political reforms.

In March, other MPs of the 40-member parliament accepted the resignation of 11 of the 18 MPs, while King Hamad announced by-elections to be held on September 24 to replace the resigned MPs.

Two former MPs, Matar Matar and Jawad Fayruz, were taken away by unknown gunmen earlier this month, according to the opposition, soon after losing parliamentary immunity.