Protests continue as more Bahrainis detained and tortured

Riot police and Death Squads attacked a peaceful marathon yesterday calling for an end to genocide (demographic change) and torture. The marathon with the motto “No to political naturalization, No to torture) that started near Malikiyal town. As the participants who had formed a human chain were approaching the town’s roundabout, they were mercilessly attacked by large numbers of riot police and members of the notorious Death Squads, who acted on orders from the ruler’s court. The marchers had hoped to send a message to the world that Bahrain has been plagued by these two intractable crisis; the settlement of foreigners that had led to the displacement of thousands of Bahrainis to other areas inside and outside their homeland, and the torture regime that has been recently highlighted by the report issued earlier this month by Human Rights Watch. Five people were arrested as the attackers pursued demonstrators in the town’s lanes and alleyways. Eyewitnesses have confirmed that they received “summary justice” and torture on the spot. The attackers used chemical and tear gases, rubber bullets and stunt guns to terrorise the demonstrators.

Calls have been made for the arrest and trial of five notorious torturers accused by the HRW report of administering torture against Bahrainis in a systematic way. The five torturers are: Yousuf Al Arabi, Fahd Al Fadhala, Bader Al Ghaith, Bassam Al Me’raj and Isa Al Majali. Instead of heeding the call for an investigation into their alleged crimes, the ruler has ordered that they be moved into other positions. For example, Fadh Al Fadhala has been transferred to another post within the ministry of the interior to work with the civilian police forces. Yousuf Al Arabi has apparently been moved to Gulf Air. It is clear that the regime can never give up torturing Bahrainis, and would always make some maneuvers to avoid sanctions by the international bodies.

Yesterday, the youth of the village of Sar demonstrated against the continued abuse of human rights, the detention of Bahrainis and the extensive use of torture. They also called for a democratic constitution and an end to the absolute dictatorship. Just after mid day, the demonstrators hurried to the main road, burnt some tyres, shouted some slogans and made their voices heard by those who were in the area. They were attacked by members of the Death Squads and attacked the Bahrainis who dispersed into the village.  Smoke was seen from far distances. On Friday a large demonstration was organized by the people under the motto “Chains unite us”. The people of Nu’aim were joined by other freedom fighters especially Ma’amir, carrying the pictures of the political prisoners. They were also joined by prominent figures such as Hassan Mushaime, the Chairman of Haq Movement, Nabil Rajab, the President of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, Dr Abdul Jalil Al Singace, Sheikh Abdulla Al Saleh and Radhwan Al Amousawi. Riot police waged a ferocious attack on the town causing a state of fear among women and children. On the same day, the people of Sanabis took to the streets in protest against the trial of the Sitra youth, the continued torture of the detainees and the imposition of the draconian laws on the people.

A young Bahraini, Sayyed Ahmad Sayyed Aqil Al Mousawi was arrested last week from his work place. His father had been targeted by the ruling Al Khalifa family for his anti-regime activities. Nothing has been heard of him since his arrest. There is growing fear for h is safety especially as the regime intensifies its policies of terror and torture.Anothe young Bahraini, Ahmad Kharraz, was also sentenced to six months in jail for taking part in anti-government demonstrations and protest. The people of his town, Wadyan, staged a demonstration to protest his imprisonment. They burnt tyres and exploded cylinders to deter the Death Squads from entering the village.. The people of Bani Jamra also joined in the countrywide protests with scores of youth taking to the streets shouting slogans against the hereditary dictatorship.

Bahrain Freedom Movement

28^th February 2010