Bahrain: More attacks on freedom as minors are summoned for trial
As the political strife continues in Bahrain, the Al Khalifa regime has become more cruel in its treatment of Bahraini citizens who peacefully express their opinion. The attack on the peaceful demonstration last Friday by the riot police has triggered a spate of anger among the citizens who are increasingly becoming disappointed by the lack of real political or economic reforms.
While allies of the Al Khalifa and their servants are paid high salaries the majority of the Bahrainis are on extremely low pay. The attack happened against the demonstrators who had gathered near the town of Karbabad near the commercial mole, to protest the continued detention of their beloved ones. Scores of young citizens had been taken hostage by the death squads in an earlier demonstration on 22nd February. The town had been attacked mercilessly in the earlier aggression; many bystanders were beaten and others were detained. Among those still in detention are: Sayed Ali Sayed Akbar, 20, Sadiq Jaffar Kadhem, 21 and Mahmood Ali Mahdi, 22. The death squads used various means of repression against the demonstrators and pursued them inside and outside the town.
The Al Khalifa have, in recent weeks, escalated the arrests of young people in retaliation for the continuing opposition activities. Among those who are languishing in torture chambers are: From Juffair: Mohammad Karim, 24. From Karrana: Jaffar Fardan Salman Yousif, 23 and from Abu Saibe’: Radhi Ali Radhi, 22. Children had also been arrested in earlier clashes but subsequently released and are awaiting trial. They are charged according to article 178 of the Penal Code, with taking part in protests and what the Al Khalifa term “unlawful congregation”. Today, summons were sent out for those them to attend a kangaroo court on Wednesday 18th April. Vengeance is likely to be exercised by the Al Khalifa-appointed officials who will try those innocent people.
Since the regime has refused to abide by its commitments in line with the various international conventions against human rights abuses, there are now growing fears among human rights activities for the safety of citizens especially those calling for democratic rule and the upholding of the rule of law.
The citizens have, however, continued their peaceful expression of anger against the Al Khalifa hereditary dictatorship. In the past few days, anti-regime slogans were seen in many areas, most notably, in Karzakkan and Malikiya. Two days ago a mouse and cat incident was witnessed by many people as death squads pursued those who paint slogans on the walls. The action continued for more than one hour near Hamad town, roundabout No 13.
When the attackers failed to stop the slogan-writing youth they used banned tear gas canisters against them. Some Molotov cocktail was used against the aggressors before fleeing the scene. Another victory was scored by the pro-democracy activists against the tools of evil and the servants of dictators.
Meanwhile, international human rights organizations and bodies are following the case of Nabil Rajab, the Vice-President of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights with concern. Mr Rajab was summoned to appear at one of the Al Khalifa torture centres where he was interrogated, threatened and told to prepare for further persecution. The whole episode is seen as a punishment for this Bahraini activist following his recent travel to Washington and Geneva to defend the rights of the people of Bahrain in the struggle against the Al Khalifa tyranny.
Activism by the opposition is likely to intensify in the coming weeks as the more facts about the evil designs by Al Khalifa against the people of Bahrain are exposed. The Bandar report has caused enormous stress and anger amongst the people and more revelations are likely to create more tension and anxiety. The opposition has called for a massive demonstration on 1st April to mark the Black Saturday when, in 1996, two young men were slaughtered by the Al Khalifa death squads in Bani Jamra.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
18/03/2007
