MP guilty of racially abusing Bahraini activist, fears grow for 2 Saudis on death row
A Conservative MP has been found guilty of racially abusing an activist by telling him to “go back to Bahrain” during a confrontation in central London. Bob Stewart, the MP for Beckenham in south-east London, also told Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei “you’re taking money off my country, go away” during an argument outside the Foreign Office’s Lancaster House in Westminster. The 74-year-old had been attending an event hosted by the Bahraini embassy when Alwadaei shouted: “Bob Stewart, for how much did you sell yourself to the Bahraini regime?” During a fractious exchange, Stewart replied: “Go away, I hate you. You make a lot of fuss. Go back to Bahrain.” In footage of the incident on 14 December 2022 played during a trial at Westminster magistrates court on Friday 3rd November, the MP is heard telling Alwadaei: “Now shut up, you stupid man.” The chief magistrate Paul Goldspring found the MP guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence. He said Stewart would not be jailed and fined the MP £600, with additional legal costs bringing the total to £1,435.
One of the most senior political prisoners has been awarded a prestigious international award. Dr Abdul Jalil Al Singace who has spent almost 13 years behind bars for his peaceful opposition to the regime has been awarded the MESA Academic Freedom Award. The award was established in 2001. It is presented in recognition of sustained contributions in support of academic freedom in the Middle East and North Africa, and/or in North America.
At least four Bahraini youths have been arrested since the start of the week: Ali Naji Marhoun, Ali Yasser, Haidar Sayyed Abbas and Muhammad Al-Qattan. As the regime continues the detention of activists, it has emerged that their treatment has been horrific. Hajji Ahmed Al Nahham was arrested for participating peacefully to call for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador in Bahrain. He was subjected to abuse including severe beating. He sustained injuries to his hand and knee. He also suffered serious injuries to all of his left side. A mother who was detained during a visit to her jailed son has also been ill-treated. Maryam Al Asfoor was detained twice before and calls have been made for her immediate and unconditional release. Manama’s security services detained several Bahrainis for participating in pro-Palestine protests. Murtaja Ali Fardan, Muhammad Yousif and Hussain Issa are among dozens of people arrested in recent weeks after taking part in rallies denouncing Israeli atrocities in Gaza and showing support for Palestinians.
At least 28 native Bahrainis were detained in the past month for participating in anti-Israeli protests. Among them ae: Mohammed Hassan Al Qallaf ( from Al-Na’aim), Sayed Ayman Mustafa Alawi (Al-Ghuraifa), Yasser Saeed (Salmabad), Ali Jum’a (Samaheej), Abdul Aziz Shakir Ali (Sanad), Sayed Mahdi Maitham (Al-Markh), Sayed Mohammed Sayed Mahfood (Al Markh), Sayed Mohammed Hashim (Al Markh), Hussain Rabi’ (Sitra), Reda Abbas Al Janabi (Duraz), Abbas Aqeel Hani (Duraz), Mohammed Hussain Ahmed (Sanais), Sayed Hussain Abbas Al Alawi (Karbaabad), Haidar Qassim (Karzakkan), Ali Hassan Al Ekri (Al Daih), Mohammed Abdul Hadi Al Sakran (Samaheej), Abdul Rahman Al-Hussaini (Karzakkan), Hussain Hassan Al Asfoor (Duraz), Mohammed Yousuf (Sanad), Murtada Ali Al Fardan (Saar).
A petition has circulated in Bahrain calling on the khalifi rulers to end their relations with the Israelis and expel their ambassador from the country. People have been urged to sign it as a sign of support to Palestine. Few days ago the regime claimed to have “frozen the economic ties with Israel” and to have “expelled the Israeli ambassador”. Within hours the Israelis issued a statement denying that any of these actions had happened.
Bahraini political prisoner Abd Ali Al-Singace is back on hunger strike in protest over his unfair trial and other abuses in detention. Al-Singace launched numerous hunger strikes in recent years demanding his right to a free and fair trial and for his allegations of torture to be investigated. Yesterday he was taken to the Jau Prison clinic after a sharp drop in blood pressure and diabetes complications.
Saudi Arabia has been criticized by pro-Palestinian activists for its role in the war on Gaza. While not helping the Palestinian cause, the Saudis have allowed the Israelis to use their airspace. Saudis have also helped to shoot down the missiles that were fired by Yemen against Israel. Riyadh has resisted calls for pan-Arab pro-Palestine stand.
Human rights groups have expressed anguish at the prospect of the imminent execution of two Saudi nationals. The Supreme Court recently upheld the death sentences against Abdullah Al-Derazi and Jalal Al-Labbad, This means they are one step away from their execution. International efforts are being made to prevent this especially that the charges against the two men were trumped up and their trial was grossly unfair.
Human rights activists have launched a petition calling for the release of Saudi human rights defender Mohammad al-Qahtani. They urge the public to sign it in order to put pressure on the authorities to release him.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
8th November 2023
