Report:Bahraini authorities had sentenced more than 60 demonstrators
May 31st, 2011

The Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR) has issued a report from Manama today regarding the demonstrators convicted.

In a statement Mr. Mohammed Al-Maskati, the President of the BYSHR said: “Bahraini authorities want to teach the demonstrators a very harsh lesson and use the trials for that.”

Attached : List of demonstrators convicted (During National Safety law “Emergency law” 15 March-31 May 2011) ( click here)
…source

Bahrain set for renewed protests as state of emergency ends
At least 24 people have died in clashes since protests began in February.

© Amnesty International

31 May 2011

Amnesty International has urged the Bahrain authorities not to again use excessive force against protesters, as activists called for mass anti-government demonstrations across the country on Wednesday.

The call for demonstrations comes as a repressive state of emergency imposed following previous protests, the State of National Safety, is set to be lifted by Bahrain’s King on Wednesday.

“The Bahraini authorities must not make the same mistakes as in February and March, when largely peaceful protests were violently suppressed by government security forces,” said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Director.

“As the state of emergency is lifted, the authorities must allow people to peacefully exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association, “he added.

The protesters are calling on the government to end human rights abuses, and have been instigated by the February 14 youth coalition, the group which called for the first protests earlier this year to demand political reform..

The Bahrain authorities say at least 24 people, including four police officers, have died in clashes between police and demonstrators since they began in February.

At least 500 protesters have been detained and four have died in custody in suspicious circumstances. At least two thousand people have also been dismissed or suspended from their jobs, apparently for participating in the protests.

In a separate development, the military trial of 14 prominent opposition activists is set to continue on Wednesday.

The mainly Shi’a activists have been charged with alleged crimes in relation to the pro-reform protests that began in February.

“These defendants are likely to be prisoners of conscience detained simply for exercising their right to peacefully express their political views in public. If so, they must be released immediately and unconditionally,” Malcolm Smart said.

The State of National Safety set up a military court with exclusive jurisdiction to try those accused of offences under the state of emergency although they are all or mostly civilians. …more

Bahrain king offers to talk with parties

By ANDREW HAMMOND | REUTERS

Published: May 31, 2011 23:42 Updated: May 31, 2011 23:42

MANAMA: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa called for talks on reform involving all parties in the Gulf Arab state “without preconditions” from July 1, the state news agency said on Tuesday.

The offer comes as the government prepares on Wednesday to lift a state of emergency which was imposed in March after a crackdown on proteshttp://www.crookedbough.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpts.

The government is also hoping to get back its Formula One race. The prestigious March event in the racing calendar was canceled because of the unrest but a meeting of the sports governing body on Friday could reinstate it for later this year.

“The king called on everyone to take part…to push forward reform for development in all areas and to firmly anchor the bases of the reform process,” the Bahrain News Agency said.

The news agency quoted the king as saying in a speech to Bahraini journalists that the talks would be “comprehensive, serious and without preconditions.” …source

Bahrain’s king has issued a call for national dialogue on reforms, as his government prepares to lift the state of emergency imposed to quash anti-government unrest.

The kingdom’s state-run media quotes King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa as calling for the talks to begin in early July, promising participants will be able to “freely raise demands.” A U.S. State Department spokesman says the dialogue would be a positive step.

Still, the Yemeni government has indicated that it will not ease pressure on anti-government groups when emergency laws are lifted on Wednesday.

The Justice Ministry issued a statement Tuesday warning that it will not tolerate political activity that threatens national security.

Bahrain’s Sunni rulers enacted emergency laws in March in an effort to end protests from the country’s Shi’ite majority. The emergency measures gave the military sweeping powers and also resulted in the detentions of activists and journalists.

Officials say at least 24 people were killed in the unrest, in which Shi’ites demanded a greater role in their government.

The unrest has apparently affected the Gulf state’s economy. The national carrier, Gulf Air, announced this week that it has laid off 200 workers. The airline says its bookings have dropped 25 percent this year. …source

Bahrain government targeting Freedom of expression and suppressing truth by intensifying crackdown on Photographers

31 May 2011

Bahrain Center for Human Rights voices its deep concern over Bahrain’s nonstop attack on the freedom of speech, expression and publishing which have been evident in their mass and brute attack on Bahrainis photographers, by firing them from their jobs, assaulting them on duty and arresting them, merely, for their involvement in documenting the events of Bahrain’s revolution which exposed the sever Human Rights violations by the government of Bahrain against protesters.

“A picture is worth a thousand words” a saying proven true once again by Bahrain’s uprising; since February 14, photography spoke out of the peacefulness and nonviolent nature of the Bahraini protesters in pearl roundabout and revealed the legitimacy of their demands for political reforms to the world. It, also, exposed the brutality of the Bahraini government through photos of killing, arresting, torturing and terrorizing civilians.

Photographers, both professional and amateur, have had a vital role in documenting pro-democracy protests in Bahrain. During the first days and through their photos they were able to educate and inform the public of the demands of the protesters by covering their peaceful rallies[1] , events calling for unity like the human chain[2] and informative and educational speeches by Bahraini intellectuals held every night in the pearl roundabout. Bahraini photographers were also active protesters with their own demands which they expressed in the photographers’ rally on 28 Feb 2011; they held signs saying “A Picture delivers an effective message of Justice” and “No for arresting photographers”[3] . Whilst, international media was either banned from entering Bahrain or did not give any priority to covering Bahrain’s events, it was the Bahraini photographers who have covered the violent crackdowns on the protesters by the pearl roundabout, in front of Salmaniya Medical Center[4] , and by Bahrain Financial Harbor[5] by using tear gas canister, rubber bullets and live ammunition against unarmed protesters. Also, their covering exposed the role of the thugs protected by the security men in the attack on the University of Bahrain[6] . These photos and videos were soon distributed via the social networks and some of the media channels. …more

NY-based group, joined by hundreds of Bahrainis, launches campaign against US support for the government of Bahrain

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 24 2011 – In a response that surprised U.S. organizers of a campaign calling on the United States government to repudiate its partnership with the Al Khalifa regime in Bahrain, hundreds of people from Bahrain joined in signing the Campaign for Peace and Democracy’s launching statement “End U.S. Support for Bahrain’s Repressive Government.”

“The statement was originally circulated for signatures in the United States, but we have been deeply moved by the fact that hundreds of Bahrainis have added their names,” said Joanne Landy, CPD Co-Director. “Given the violent government crackdown in Bahrain, the very act of signing is incredibly courageous. Bahraini signers have implored us to pressure the Obama administration to decisively repudiate its support of their brutal and authoritarian government.”

On May 16, the New York-based Campaign for Peace and Democracy (CPD) began circulating its statement, which has thus far gathered more than 1200 signatures including those of Ed Asner, Medea Benjamin, Noam Chomsky, Martin Duberman, Daniel Ellsberg, Mike Farrell, Chris Hedges, Adam Hochschild, Jan Kavan, Kathy Kelly, Dave Marsh, Frances Fox Piven, Katha Pollitt, Alix Kates Shulman and Cornel West. The statement is below and on the CPD website. Signatures are still being accepted. The statement will be sent to President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and key members of Congress, as well as to domestic and international media.

In the United States, Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) gave organizational endorsement to the statement. Stephen Soldz, PsySR president, stated, “We cannot be silent. Many of our members are health providers. The government of Bahrain has arrested nearly 50 doctors and other health providers, many of whom have been tortured. Their ‘crime’ is refusing to let injured protesters die and informing the world press about the abuses they witnessed.” …more

Bahrain Warns Groups Before End of Emergency Rule Tomorrow
By Glen Carey – May 31, 2011 9:40 AM MT
To contact the reporter on this story: Glen Carey in Riyadh at gcarey8@bloomberg.net.

Bahrain signaled it won’t allow anti- government protests when the nationwide state of emergency ends tomorrow.

The Ministry of Justice warned against “any type of activities that could affect security or harm the national peace and safety,” in a statement carried by the official Bahrain News Agency.

Bahrain’s Sunni Muslim king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, declared martial law in March, as his government sought to quell Shiite Muslim-led demonstrations calling for more democracy and civil rights after popular uprisings ousted leaders in Egypt and Tunisia. The ruling family also invited troops from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries to help quell protests.

Mainly Shiite activists and youth movements are planning to hold rallies tomorrow in villages “against the government and troops in protest at violations of human rights,” Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights said in an e-mailed statement.

Crude prices have jumped almost 21 percent since unrest in Bahrain began in mid-February. Crude oil for July delivery climbed $2.69, or 2.7 percent, to $103.28 a barrel at 9:34 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Dialogue

King Hamad called for talks on reform in the Gulf Arab kingdom from July, the Bahrain News Agency said today, citing a speech by the monarch. The king wants a “dialogue of national consensus” and for talks to be held without preconditions, the new service reported.

Police have arrested activists and doctors since protesters were forced from their rallying point at the Pearl Roundabout in Manama, the capital, on March 16. Security forces this month arrested Mattar Ibrahim Ali Mattar and Jawad Fairoz, members of al-Wefaq, the largest Shiite opposition party in the country.

Bahrain will hold elections on Sept. 24 to fill at least 18 vacant seats in parliament after al-Wefaq members resigned in February to protest the government’s crackdown on pro-democracy rallies. A second round of voting will take place on Oct. 1, the Bahrain News Agency reported, citing Justice Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa.

Shiites make up about 70 percent of Bahrain’s population of less than 1 million, and many retain cultural and family ties with Iran as well as with Shiites in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. …more

Bahrain military chief says Gulf troops to stay on
(AP)

12 May 2011, 4:18 PM
Saudi-led forces sent to Bahrain to help crush anti-government protests will remain even after emergency rule is lifted next month, the head of the kingdom’s military said. Saudi-led forces sent to Bahrain to help crush anti-government protests will remain even after emergency rule is lifted next month, the head of the kingdom’s military said in a move that is likely to deepen regional tensions with Iran.

In response, Gulf leaders have sharply warned Iran to stay out of their affairs and accused Bahrain’s protesters of having links to groups such as the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. The Bahrain military commander, Sheik Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, also threatened even harsher crackdowns if demonstrators return to the streets in the strategic US ally, which is home to the Navy’s 5th Fleet.

“I say to those who did not get the message, ‘If you return we will come back, stronger this time,’” Sheik Ahmed was quoted as saying late Wednesday by the official Bahrain News Agency. Meanwhile, the expected resumption of a trial against 21 opposition leaders and human rights activists was adjourned until May 16. The activists are accused of plotting against the state and having links to foreign factions — an apparent reference to Hezbollah.

Fourteen of the suspects are in custody and the rest are being tried in absentia in a special security court set up under martial law-style rule imposed in March. Separately, the same court also convicted another opposition supporter on charges of attempted murder of a police officer and participation in a protest aimed at disrupting public order, a report by the state-run Bahrain News Agency said Thursday. It added that the protester, Hamad Yousef Kazim, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Kazim’s court-appointed lawyer can appeal the sentence, the report also said.

Bahrain’s king said the emergency rule will be lifted June 1. But the military chief’s statements suggest a heavy security presence will remain along with the Saudi-led troops. Bahrain’s Shias comprise about 70 percent of the population, but claim widespread discrimination and abuses at the hands of the 200-year-old ruling Sunni dynasty. …more

CONTACT: Jessica Rosenblum, Human Rights First,
C: 202-279-0005, W: 202-265-3000 | Jessica@rabinowitz-dorf.com

Bahrain must prove itself ready to host Grand Prix

U.S. Government Must Press Bahraini Authorities to Protect Human Rights Defenders
For Immediate Release: May 31, 2011

Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Government should publicly call on the Bahraini authorities to protect human rights defenders when the national emergency laws are lifted in Bahrain tomorrow, said Human Rights First today.

“For several months Bahrain’s authorities have attacked and harassed human rights defenders, preventing them from carrying out their peaceful work to promote human rights,” said Brian Dooley of Human Rights First. “They have been arrested, beaten, and labeled as terrorists. Their homes have been attacked and they have been prevented from leaving the country.”

A new wave of protests is anticipated when Bahrain’s State of Safety is lifted tomorrow, and the U.S Government should publicly declare its support for human rights defenders and others who want to peacefully exercise their human rights.

Tomorrow will be a test for the Bahrain government, which has cracked down brutally on dissent over the last few months. The U.S. Government should be specific and clear in calling on the authorities not to attack peaceful demonstrators and to protect and support the work of human rights defenders.

A decision from the Grand Prix authorities on whether Bahrain will be allowed to host a grand prix race later in 2011 is expected on Friday June 3. “Bahrain is being watched to see how it reacts to protests in the coming days. If it is unable to respect and protect basic rights of freedoms of assembly and expression it’s hard to see how it is capable of hosting a major international sporting event,” said Dooley. …more

Thirty IFEX members protest travel ban on Nabeel Rajab and other threats to BCHR

(Maharat/IFEX) – 31 May 2011 – Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Beirut, Lebanon, at the 16th IFEX General Meeting. Thirty-three IFEX members signed on to the following letter protesting the travel ban on Nabeel Rajab, president of IFEX member BCHR:

We, the undersigned members of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), meeting in Beirut, Lebanon for the 16th General Meeting (GM) and Strategy Conference, call for the repeal of the travel ban enforced on Nabeel Rajab, president of IFEX member the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR).

On 29 May 2011, Rajab was once again prevented from travelling after he went to the airport to try to fly to Beirut to attend the IFEX GM. He was escorted from the airport and told he could not travel. He has tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to leave the country in the past few months. Rajab’s family home has been attacked several times, including with tear gas and armed invasions. Other BCHR members have also been arrested, threatened with death and forced into hiding.

On 1 June, the King of Bahrain has promised to end the state of emergency he imposed in mid-March to quell pro-democracy demonstrations. This would be a welcome occasion for the Bahraini government to end human rights abuses including lifting the travel ban on Nabeel Rajab so that he can join us in Beirut. …source