Issue and opponent: Beginning in February 2011, Bahrain saw sustained pro-democracy protests, centered at Pearl Roundabout in the capital of Manama, as part of the wider Arab Spring. Inspired by the Egyptian Tamarod Movement that led to the removal of President Mohamed Morsi, Bahraini opposition activists formed Bahrain Rebellion Movement on 3 July 2013 and called for mass protests starting on 14 August, the forty-second anniversary of Bahrain Independence Day, under the banner Bahrain Tamarod. The day also marked the two-and-a-half-year anniversary of the Bahraini uprising. The movement which is also known as the August 14 Rebellion, identified itself as a movement calling for awareness, nationalism, sovereignty, independence, and legitimacy, with a message of love, loyalty, and dedication to all of the Bahraini people in rebellion against the authorities. Dilemma Action: Outside of the capital (Manama), hundreds of protesters in Malkiya, Juffair, and Sitra held peaceful sit-ins and formed human chains in opposition to the authorities’ lockdown. Many protesters were sitting in front of their houses but they were still arrested and/or beaten by police. Despite knowing they could face harsh reprisals from Bahraini authorities, hundreds of protesters still showed up to participate in the nationwide demonstrations. There were over 60 protests in 40 locations at one point during the day. A website called bahrainaugust14.com was set up on 10 August to offer a central space for news and information about developments ahead of the Tamarod protests but was blocked in Bahrain within 24 hours of launching. Outcome: The government responded with a huge crackdown, with round-the-clock house raids, torture and ill-treatment of detainees, more arbitrary arrests, and tough prison sentences. The Bahraini government appeared increasingly repressive and unable to react to criticism without resorting to extreme security measures. King Hamad issued new decrees on 6 August banning protests in the capital and giving the government greater power to arrest peaceful demonstrators and even to strip citizenship from those convicted of violence.