Bahrain: Tension and protests on the eve of the Formula 1 races

On the eve of the Formula 1 car races in Bahrain, the citizens have raised the stakes by taking their struggle a step forward through several means.

First they are writing anti-regime slogans on walls especially in areas close to the racecourse in the South of the country.

Today, the people of Karzakkan braved the presence of the security forces and Death Squads and painted the walls with their slogans calling for the release of political prisoners, an end to the use of torture against Bahrainis and a constitution written by the people to replace the present Al Khalifa imposed constitution. At the same time, the youth of Sitra marched in the streets burning tyres and shouting slogans for a democratic rule to replace the present hereditary dictatorship. Near Wadyan Roundabout, fires were raging as the foreign-staffed riot police were trying in vain to extinguish the flames. The journalists who are in the country to cover the event have a first hand experience with the people who are defying the repressive regime and risking their lives. Several journalists have expressed astonishment at the extent of opposition to the ruling family.

In Sanabis protests have continued unabated for the past few days calling for the unconditional release of political prisoners. Among the fast spreading slogans is that calling for an end to genocidal policies directed against the majority of the citizens. Fires were seen near the traffic signals near Al Hashimi Mall. The district of Marwazan was raided by the riot police and death squads for more than twenty minutes before they were forced to flee the scene under serious resistance from Bahrainis.

Early in the week, the town of Dair witnessed serious confrontations between the natives and the foreign-staffed riot police. The protesters called for the release of political prisoners and the abandonment of the show trials. On 7th March rubber bullets were extensively used in the confrontation in addition to chemical and tear gases, sound bombs and electric truncheons. On their part, the natives used stones and Molotov cocktail to deter the enemies who were attempting to break into the town.

The spiraling violence by the government police is a reaction to the deteriorating conditions inside the torture chambers. Kumail Al Ghannami who was detained for taking part in a peaceful protest has been denied treatment for his psychological problems developed after being severely tortured.

Despite a court order to treat Kumail, officials at the police station where he is detained have repeatedly refused to let him receive the necessary treatment. An eyewitness described his condition as serious to the extent that he could not walk straight.

Another prisoner, Abdul Aziz Abdul Redha has started hunger strike in protest at the ill-treatment he is being subjected to at the hands of the torturers. He is from Sihla and is being held at the notorious torture centre at Al Khamis. The torturers refused to transfer him to the health clinic for treatment. He has been suffering strong pain in his stomach. He also suffers from kidney problems for which he receives no treatment.

This is one form of torture and ill-treatment inflicted on native Bahrainis.

In the town of Ma’amir, three women have been campaigning for the release of their children since Monday. The women who are accompanied by a girl, have been pursued by several jeeps full of heavily armed soldiers. They have been carrying pictures of their beloved ones and a large banner calling for their release as they had committed no offence. The oppressive regime continues to give them a deaf ear.

Bahrain Freedom Movement
11th March 2010