UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Thursday expressed disturbance over the violent raids against anti-government protesters in Bahrain and called on leaders to exercise restraint towards civilians and journalists.

“The reports from Bahrain overnight are deeply troubling, here as elsewhere, violence should not be used against peaceful demonstrators and against journalists.” Ban told reporters here.

“I am disturbed by all these violent means of trying to disperse demonstrators,” he added.

Five protesters have died in recent clashes with the police at the iconic Pearl Square roundabout in Gulf nation’s capital of Manama.

“In responding to peaceful protest, authorities have an obligation to respect human rights. There should be no violence from any quarter. I urge all parties to exercise restraint,” said Ban, adding that he will be reaching out to leaders in the region to reiterate that message.

“The situation calls for bold reforms, not repression. Sustainable progress can take root in places where people are empowered, where governments are responsive, where growth is inclusive,” he said.