RSF grants Bahrain low ranking, Saudis step up arrests
In its annual ranking of countries with regards to freedom of speech, Reporters Without Frontiers (RSF) granted Bahrain 173 out of 180, which represents the worst in terms of freedom of speech. In its statement on 3rd May RSF said: “Freedom of expression does not exist in Bahrain” and added: “The situation became worse following the pro-democracy protests in 2011, when the government reduced the space for independent media”. RSF said that only those media owned by member of the ruling family or other favoured persons can work. It referred to the journalists living in exile saying that some of them are pursued by the regime which accuses them of “electronic crimes” because of their critical views of the government.
Yesterday families of Bahraini political prisoners held a protest in front of the Exhibition Road police station. They were calling for the immediate and unconditional release of their sons. On Saturday the people of Karzakkan held a protest calling for the release of the political prisoners and for serious political reforms. On Sunday the people of Karranah town held a similar rally attended by young activists.
This week three Bahraini activists were arrested and held for four days for their peaceful activities. Ali Muhanna, Sayed Hussain Al Ghuraifi (from Ghuraifa town) and Qassim Mulla Hani (from Bilad Al Qadeem) were brought before the regime’s prosecutor who ordered their detention for seven days as a punishment for their protest. They were subsequently released but are likely to be persecuted further. Yesterday Regime’s forces detained Salman Abbas, from Nuwaidrat town during a visit to his detained brother in Jau prison. He was transferred to Dry Dock Prison. Salman was in prison until he was released recently after the dictator ordered the release of about half the political prisoners. A policeman claimed that Salman had attacked him before his release. Young activist Mohammed Jalil Al Kazzaz has been arrested by the regime’s forces. He was released on 8th April. But after 23 days of his release, he was arrested again. His “crime” this time is holding the picture of martyr Hussain Ibrahim Al Ramram who passed away few weeks ago shortly after his release from prison. Al Kazzaz was arrested in June 2023 when he was 16 and sentenced to one year.
Political prisoners at Jau prison are continuing their hunger strike forty days after they had started. They have several demands: Ending the isolation of many prisoners who are punished by being separated from the rest of the inmates, the provision of proper medical care and the release of all political prisoners whose sentences are unfair. Their families are supporting their action by staging their own protests outside prisons.
Protests in support of the people of Gaza have continued in Bahrain. The main protest takes place after the weekly Friday prayers in Duraz. Banners are raised and slogans are chanted by the participants who consider supporting the oppressed people of Palestine a religious duty. Other protests take place especially at night when the weather is cooler. Towns like Karzakkan, Duraz, Sitra and Nuwaidrat witness regular demonstrations.
Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) has raised concerns about activist Ali AlHajee’s persecution for demanding the lifting of his travel ban. A new case was filed, postponed until next week at First Lower Criminal Court. AlHajee is accused of entering a security area. The reality is that his persecution is linked to his activism as a human rights activist.
In its annual report released on 3rd May, the Bahraini Association of Journalists called for the unconditional release of all those involved in media; writers, editors, photo journalists and other activists. The report called for respecting the general freedoms and combating corruption. It also called for restraints on targeting bloggers and twitter users. It urged the regime to stop harassing citizens on allegations of sedition and spreading anti-regime feelings. It further called for respect of human rights.
On 1st May, Bloomberg UK published an article titled: “Saudi Arabia steps up arrests of those attacking Israel online” written by Sam Dagher. It said: Saudi Arabia has stepped up the arrest of citizens for social-media posts related to the Israeli war on Gazza, as the kingdom signals a readiness to agree to diplomatic relations with the Israel. Recent Saudi detentions have included an executive with a company involved in the kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan — a cornerstone of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s agenda — according to people inside and outside Saudi Arabia with knowledge of the matter. The detainee expressed views on the Gaza conflict deemed by authorities to be incendiary, they said. A media figure who said Israel should never be forgiven has also been arrested, the people said, as has an individual calling for the boycott of American fast food restaurants in the kingdom. The people shared information on condition that neither they nor those arrested be identified.
Prominent Saudi human rights defender and prisoner of conscience Waleed Abulkhair is being subjected to harassment and threats in prison, medical neglect, and is denied hospital treatment. Also, a petition calling on Saudi authorities to accept the recommendations by the UN’s Universal Periodic Review has been signed by more than 8000 people. Human rights bodies including Alqst have presented the petition for signature.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
8th May 2024