61.   The government had earlier banned all gatherings of more than five people in several important cities to foil the planned rallies.

62.   The new wave of unrest began last month when the Sunni-led government banned gatherings at Shiite mosquesm, and it has intensified over the last week.

63.   The new wave of unrest began last month when the Sunni-led government banned gatherings at Shiite mosques.