Manama, Bahrain (CNN) -- Bahrain's king ordered the release of a number of prisoners and closed cases against several Shia leaders accused of plotting against the kingdom, the country's state news agency said early Tuesday. King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa named the leaders during a national unity speech last year, leading to the arrest of several of them and the exile of several others who were out of the country at the time. The announcement clears the way for the return of Hassan Mushaimaa, leader of Bahrain's largest opposition party, the Haq Movement. Mushaimaa said he planned to arrive in Manama Tuesday evening -- amid early speculation that he would be arrested.
@highlight
NEW: The decision means a self-exiled opposition leader won't be arrested when he returns Tuesday
@highlight
"I know that thousands will be waiting for me," says Mushaimaa
@highlight
Bahrain had requested Interpol to help in arresting Mushaimaa in September
@highlight
Bahrain postpones Formula 1 race because of protests
The mass protests planned for Tuesday in support of calls for political reforms and other concessions and coincided with @placeholder's return..
A 20-year-old protester in @placeholder, who was shot in the head on Friday, has died, hospital sources said Monday.