Bahrain opposition criticizes proposal tied to legislative, security and judicial reforms

Pro-democracy protesters hold up a huge banner and carry signs during a march in Budaiya, Bahrain, just outside the capital of Manama, Friday, Sept. 19, 2014. Thousands of opposition supporters have rallied in the tiny island nation of Bahrain to protest a proposal outlined by the country's leadership related to legislative, security and judicial reforms. The banner and the yellow sign refer to upcoming parliamentary elections and both read, in English and Arabic: "Boycott until democratic demands are fulfilled." (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali) (The Associated Press)

Bahrainis wave national flags and carry pictures of political prisoners during a protest march in Budaiya, Bahrain, just outside the capital of Manama, seen in the background, Friday, Sept. 19, 2014. Thousands of opposition supporters have rallied in the tiny island nation of Bahrain to protest a proposal outlined by the country's leadership related to legislative, security and judicial reforms. The banner at left refers to upcoming parliamentary elections and reads, in English and Arabic: "Boycott until democratic demands are fulfilled." (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali) (The Associated Press)

A Bahraini pro-democracy protester wears national flags and colors and a Guy Fawkes mask during a march in Budaiya, Bahrain, just outside the capital of Manama, Friday, Sept. 19, 2014. Thousands of opposition supporters have rallied in the tiny island nation of Bahrain to protest a proposal outlined by the country's leadership related to legislative, security and judicial reforms. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali) (The Associated Press)

Witnesses say thousands of opposition supporters have rallied in the tiny island nation of Bahrain to protest a proposal outlined by the country's leadership related to legislative, security and judicial reforms.

Friday's rally by members of the Shiite opposition came a day after the crown prince, Sheik Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, issued a statement summarizing proposed changes that included unspecified changes to electoral districts.

Opposition members criticized the proposal as being issued unilaterally and failing to go far enough in meeting their demands.

Bahrain is a Western ally that hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. The tiny island nation has been roiled by more than three years of unrest spearheaded by the country's Shiite majority, who are demanding greater rights from the ruling Sunni monarchy.