Bahrain: New attacks on democracy movement
Sunday, April 17, 2011
By Ash Pemberton

The Bahraini government has ordered the dissolution of two opposition political parties. The move is part of its crackdown against the pro-democracy movement that broke out in February.

The al-Wefaq and al-Amal parties were ordered to dissolve for “threatening peace”. The order is in response to their involvement in the protests that called for the removal of the Khalifah royal family, which has ruled the country for more than 200 years, the April 14 Washington Post said.

Four people were killed in police custody after authorities launched a campaign of mass arrests, CNN.com said on April 13. At least two of those killed showed signs of torture.

Human Rights Watch said at least 430 people have been arrested in the crackdown.

The Bahraini government has also attacked media organisations critical of the crackdown. Three editors of the Al-Wasat newspaper have been charged with publishing “fabricated news” and “false pictures”.

The crackdown began on March 15 after troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates invaded Bahrain to assist the government’s failing efforts to stop the protests.

More than 30 people were killed and hundreds injured since the protests began on February 15.

The US has remained silent about the repression. Bahrain has long been a key ally for the US, due to its strategic position in the Persian Gulf. It also hosts the US navy’s fifth fleet and a US airbase. …source

Bahrain to prosecute civil servants over protests
The Associated Press
Originally published Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 11:42 AM

Bahrain’s official news agency says dozens of civil servants will face “legal action” for participating in anti-government protests in the Gulf kingdom.

Bahrain’s official news agency says dozens of civil servants will face “legal action” for participating in anti-government protests in the Gulf kingdom.

The state-run Bahrain News Agency says 111 employees of the Education Ministry have been fired as part of a wide ranging crackdown on the Shiite opposition that staged street marches and strikes against the Sunni rulers calling for greater rights and freedoms.

Sunday’s report says the employees will be prosecuted for “flagrant violations” of the country’s civil service law. It also says the Teacher’s Union strike last month was politically motivated and aimed at “crippling schools.”

Bahrain imposed martial law March 15 to crush the Shiite-led uprising, detaining hundreds of protesters, political figures, doctors and activists. …source