Anti-government protesters are planning nationwide demonstrations on Friday, defying a three-month ban on all public gatherings imposed as part of the current State of National Safety.

A map being circulated online by protesters announces demonstrations from 3pm onwards in several villages across the country, as well as near the site of the Pearl Roundabout - officially known as the GCC Roundabout - and at Bahrain Financial Harbour.

There is also a rally planned in Manama in memory of Bahiya Al Aradi, the first female to die since the start of unrest last month.

She died on Tuesday after suffering gunshot injuries to the head, according to Al Wefaq National Islamic Society.

A march is planned in Muharraq, starting in Dair and passing Samaheej and Arad before reaching Bahrain International Airport.

Other villages where protests are expected are Bilad Al Qadeem, Zinj, Sehla, Nabi Saleh, Ma'ameer, Malkiya, Demistan, Jurdab, Eker, Burhama, Sanabis, Jidhafs and other areas in Budaiya and Manama.

Marches are also planned to the Royal Court, in Riffa, and Salmaniya Medical Complex.

Organisers are also calling for Friday prayers to take place on the streets, not in mosques.-TradeArabia News Service