Britain's Prince Andrew has angered human rights activists by visiting Bahrain.
The Duke of York, who travelled to the Gulf state on Tuesday (14.01.14), has been criticised by Amnesty International and human rights activists, who claim most people in Bahrain are suffering repression and he is not showing his support by putting business first.
The 53-year-old royal is visiting the country to boost Britain's tourism and business and will meet with controversial King Hamad during his week-long trip.
A spokeswoman for Amnesty International told the BBC: "Anyone visiting Bahrain should go there with their eyes wide open about the human rights abuses being committed by the police, sanctioned by the government."
Bahrain's government, which is dominated by members of the royal family, promised reforms after pro-democracy protesters were violently suppressed in the Arab Spring of 2011, but critics say little has changed.
Maryam Al Khawaja, acting president of Bahrain Center for Human Rights, also told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "This visit will not be welcomed. It will be seen as basically supporting the dictator."
Buckingham Palace say the trip coincides with GREAT British Week in Bahrain, which will highlight the bilateral relationship between the UK and Bahrain.
The duke's programme of engagements is set to reflect a number of the his core priorities, including education, young people and skills, and entrepreneurship.
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