Trial of 28 Bahraini medics underway
A mass trial is underway for 28 doctors and nurses charged as part of a broad crackdown on peaceful anti-government revolutionaries in Bahrain.

The medical personnel are accused of joining the protests and spreading false information, by speaking to foreign media, the Associated Press reported on Monday.

On June 22, a special security court in Bahrain sentenced eight prominent activists and opposition leaders to life in prison on charges of “plotting to overthrow the government” during demonstrations in the Persian Gulf island earlier this year.

Senior Bahraini cleric Sheikh Issa Qasim censured the Persian Gulf kingdom’s government over the life sentences.

“We are all feeling pain, suffering and a sense of depression from the sentencing,” the cleric said in a sermon on Friday.

Despite the lifting of an emergency law, the Manama regime continues to try civilians in its so-called special courts, as part of the government’s crackdown on peaceful popular protests.

In March, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed military forces to Bahrain to help the government crush the nationwide protests.

Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds arrested in the Saudi-backed crackdown on the protests in Bahrain since mid-February.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have rebuked the Manama regime for its brutal crackdown on innocent civilians. http://www.islamidavet.com/english/2011/06/27/trial-of-28-bahraini-medics-underway/

TIMELINE – 27th June 2011 19.44 GMT:
http://www.petercliffordonline.com

INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNATION OF BAHRAIN PROTESTER TRIALS CONTINUES:

International condemnation of the harsh sentences imposed by the Bahraini government’s “special” military court on some of its citizens arrested after the recent protests, continues to spread around the world.

In Ireland, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, said he was “appalled” at the life sentences given to 7 leading protesters recently. One of them, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, had previously been the Middle East protection co-ordinator with the Irish Human Rights organisation Front Line.

Mary Lawlor, Front Line’s Director, said, “This trial was a total legal charade and followed his brutal arrest and torture for exercising his legitimate rights to freedom of expression and association by campaigning for democracy and human rights in Bahrain.”

Niall Holohan, Ireland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia met with the Bahraini Ambassador to Riyadh last week and expressed Ireland and its people’s deep concern over the matter.

Mr. Gilmore added in a statement that Ireland would continue to raise human rights issues in Bahrain bilaterally and in conjunction with its EU partners at every appropriate opportunity.

Abdulhadi al-Khawaja whilst born in Bahrain, is in fact a naturalised Danish citizen and was given politiical asylum in Denmark in 1991. He is well known for establishing the Bahrain Human Rights Organisation (BHRO).

The Danish Foreign Minister, Lene Espersen, took up his case in May after reports that al-Khawaja had been “tortured and sexually asaulted” while awaiting trial, because the Bahraini authorities refused to investigate those charges.

http://www.petercliffordonline.com
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja Fighting for Human Rights in Bahrain

Despite promises made to the Danish Government by Bahrain’s Foreign Affairs Minister, access to al-Khawaja in prison has still not been granted to Danish representatives.

The Danish Government has a right of access visits to any of its nationals under the terms of International Law, despite the fact that al-Khawaja retains dual citizenship of Bahrain.

Following his conviction last Wednesday, al-Khawaja told the court that the Bahraini people would continue to fight against the country’s authoritarian regime. He was then hit by court officers and dragged from the room, reports public broadcaster DR.

Maryam al-Kwawaja, his daughter said after the sentence was handed down, “It is a typical reaction for an authoritarian regime. They suppress everybody who criticises the establishment.”

Al-Khawaja’s other daughter Zainab, who was in the courtroom for the hearing, protested when the sentence was announced. She was also dragged out of the courtroom and arrested afterwards but released 2 hours later.

At the same hearing, 7 others were given life sentences and 13 more sentences of between 2 and 15 years.

Condemnation of the Bahraini Governments oppressive and heavy handed opproach to dissenters has also been expressed in support of the 47 doctors and nurses on trial in the same court for “attempting to overthrow the monarchy.” http://www.petercliffordonline.com/bahrain-news/

Veracruz journalist shot dead in home with wife and son
Published on Tuesday 21 June 2011.

Reporters Without Borders is shocked to learn that Miguel Ángel López Velasco, an editor and columnist with the local online daily Notiver, was shot dead along with his wife and his son in their home in the east coast city of Veracruz early yesterday, just seven days after a reporter was found murdered in the northwestern state of Sonora.

“The violence against journalists in Mexico never ends,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We call on the authorities to ensure that López’s work as a journalist is treated as the most likely motive for his murder and that those responsible are identified and brought to justice as quickly as possible.”

López’s colleagues told Reporters Without Borders that the 55-year-old journalist, his wife and his 21-year-old son were asleep in their home in the northern Veracruz suburb of López Arias when unidentified armed intruders burst in and shot all three.

Also known by the pen-name of “Milo Vera,” López had been working for Notiver for about 20 years, first as a crime reporter and then as a columnist and deputy editor of the crime and local news section. In his column “Va de Nuez,” he wrote about crime, kidnappings, corruption and abuse of authority in the Veracruz area. He had also written about the case of Evaristo Ortega Zarate, a journalist missing since April 2010.

López had been threatened. In 2007, drug traffickers left a human head outside the Notiver office with this message (in which López’s pen-name was misspelled): “We are leaving you a present here (…) Heads are going to roll. Milovela knows it and many others know it too. These heads are for my dad. Yours truly, A son of Mario Sánchez and the New People.” …more

Bahrain: Four protesters sentenced to death by firing squad
Human rights activists claim men convicted of killing two policemen did not receive a fair trial
Protesters in Bahrain in March 2011

Four anti-government protesters in Bahrain were sentenced to death on Thursday by a military court over the killing of two policemen when violence erupted in the capital last month.

The ruling means the four men could be the first to face a firing squad in Bahrain since 2007. It has dismayed human rights activists who claim the men did not receive a fair trial, and the British Foreign Office urged Bahrain “to ensure that due process is carefully and transparently followed in all cases, particularly where severe penalties are proposed”.

The defendants’ lawyer, Mohammed al-Tajer, was arrested in the runup to the hearing, and Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, said his replacement may not have had enough time to prepare for such a serious case. He added the decision to try the civilians in a military court which is ultimately controlled by Bahrain’s ruling family breached norms of international human rights.

The condemned men were named as Ali Abdullah Hassan al-Singees, Qasim Hasan Matar Ahmad, Saeed Abduljalil Saeed, and Abdulaziz Abdulridha Ibrahim Husain. Three other men, Isa Abdullah Kadhem Ali, Sayyed Sadiq Ali Mahdi and Husain Jaafar Abdulkareem, were sentenced to life in prison over the deaths of the two policemen.

Rajab said the men were well-known anti-government protesters from villages in Bahrain, and he believed they were targeted because of that. They all pleaded not guilty on charges of premeditated murder of government employees.

Sending New Inmates to Guantánamo a Step in the Wrong Direction
For Immediate Release: June 14, 2011

Washington, D.C.—Today, Senator Mitch McConnell (KY), the top-ranking republican in the U.S. Senate, argued that two Iraqis facing terrorism-related charges in Kentucky should be transferred to the prison at Guantánamo Bay. Senator McConnell stated that Kentucky residents do not want 30-year-old Waad Ramadan Alwan and 23-year-old Mohanad Shareef Hammadi treated like “common criminals in their own backyards.”

“Sending new terrorism suspects to Guantánamo to languish in a failed system would be a step in the wrong direction. Criminals can and should be prosecuted in civilian courts,” said Human Rights First’s C. Dixon Osburn.

To date, there have been 400 convictions of persons on terror related charges in federal courts versus only six convictions in tribunals. …source

U.S. supports arrest warrant for Gaddafi
English.news.cn 2011-06-28 03:29:50 FeedbackPrintRSS

WASHINGTON, June 27 (Xinhua) — The United States said on Monday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has spoken about the need for “justice and accountability” by issuing an arrest warrant for Muammar Gaddafi, repeating its demand that the Libyan leader cede power.

“Our view is that the actions of the security forces and the Gaddafi regime that are highlighted in the court’s decision underscore the gravity of what we have been witnessing and what the coalition has been trying to prevent in Libya,” U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said at a news briefing at the department.

“And in the face of these crimes of this kind of magnitude and this gravity, the need for justice and accountability is absolutely clear,” she added.

The Hague-based ICC issued arrest warrants on Monday for Gaddafi as well as his son Saif al-Islam and his brother-in-law Abdullah al-Senussi, Libya’s head of intelligence, on charges of crimes against humanity. ICC prosecutors allege that they were involved in the killing of protesters when anti-government protests broke out in the North African state in February against Gaddafi’s 41-year rule.

“The U.S. believes that the decision to refer the case to the ICC was the right decision, that the ICC has spoken now about the need for justice and accountability,” Nuland said.

“With regard to whether this hurts or helps, it doesn’t change the fact that Gaddafi’s got to take the message that it’s time to go,” she added. …more

Bahrain leftists head to talks, but fear crisis
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
By ERIKA SOLOMON
Reuters Manama Bahrain

A leader of Bahrain’s second largest opposition group said the party would join a national dialogue next week but a sectarian crisis was inevitable unless talks led to genuine political reform.

Four months after Bahrain’s Sunni Muslim rulers quashed pro-democracy protests led by the Shiite majority, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa has set July 1 as the start of a national dialogue to discuss economic, political and social reforms.

The opposition has said only deep political reform, not mere dialogue, can permanently end popular unrest.

“The government needs to develop progressive solutions. This crisis is political,” Radhi al-Mousawi told Reuters in an interview. “Without a permanent solution to reforming the constitutional monarchy, the crisis will return in a few years.”

Mainstream opposition groups such as Waad seek a more representative parliament with legislative powers that are not weakened by an upper Shura council appointed by the king.

The government has said all types of political, economic and social reform can be discussed but the opposition is suspicious that the wide variety of issues will diminish the chances of agreeing on real democratization.

Participants in the dialogue will send their proposals for approval to Bahrain’s ruling family at the end of the talks.

Waad, a secular leftist party run by Sunnis and Shiites alike, was the worst-hit during unrest this year. Both of its offices were repeatedly set ablaze and the government banned its operations, a decision it reversed just last week.

Waad members believe their non-sectarian voice made them a target by hardliners in support of the government, who they accuse of stoking sectarian tensions in the Gulf island kingdom.

“The government cannot gain victory over people by sewing sectarian divisions. Sectarianism could destroy us. The wars in Lebanon and Iraq have shown us that,” Mr. Mousawi said as he examined the charred walls of Waad’s offices in Manama. …more

UK Parliamentarians express concern for Bahrain activists

23rd June, 2011

Politicians in the UK have been speaking out against the showtrials of opposition leaders in Bahrain. Lord Avebury, a long-time human rights activist who has been supporting the pro-democracy movement in Bahrain since the mid-1990s, wrote to Foreign Secretary William Hague, saying:

“We should have realised long ago that you can’t hold a dialogue with a man whose foot is on your neck, and I suggest that we ask the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Bahrain and report to the world on the human rights situation, and particularly on the state of health of the people convicted, most if not all of whom have apparently been tortured. May I also ask you to protest to the authorities about the trial and life sentence passed on the British citizen Saeed Al-Shehabi, who wasn’t notified of the charges against him, let alone represented by a lawyer of his choice. This was a grossly irregular process, and one that I hope you will publicly condemn.”

Foreign Office minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt also reiterated that the government is ‘concerned’ about the situation in Bahrain[1]. However, the UK government has been expressing concern for some time now, and even the addition of Bahrain to the US list of human rights abusers[2] has not proved embarrassing enough for the authorities to change their hard-line stance. Lord Avebury told BCHR that ‘action needs to be taken at the level of the Secretary of State [William Hague]’, and that the UK needs to do more than just continually express ‘concern’ about the situation. http://www.bahrainrights.org/en/node/4306

“Bahrain: The Systematic Use of Sexual Abuse”
Posted on June 17, 2011 by arabunity2011

“Ahmed talked about the oppression of the Khalifa family in the old days . If any of Baharnis were known to have a decent house, donkey or daughter they were robbed of it by the Shaikh” Belgrave Diaries

Bahrain’s security apparatus and secret police were established by the British, and were headed by Ian Henderson, “The Butcher of Bahrain” for 30 years. The rationale is that the people of Bahrain are basically the subjects of their (the British’s) subjects (the Khalifas). Add to that, the mentality of the ruling “conquering” family who believe Bahrain is their private property (owning 30% of its land) and its people are their slaves. With naturalization of foreigners to work in the security forces, things became messier for Bahrainis. The people were not only subjected to a colonial power, and a non-compromising ruling family; but also subjected to an uneducated and ruthless foreign mercenary force. Since Shiites are generally not allowed into security forces, the animosity they are faced with has an ugly anti-Shia and sectarian nature. The police and security forces feel no shame destroying their mosques, wrecking their cars, stealing their possessions, verbally abusing them and their beliefs, humiliating them, and even sexually molesting and abusing their children, men, and women. The systematic nature of such behavior means that it’s not just an anti-Shia sentiment that drives them, but a well-designed policy dictated from the high chair of the decision maker down the ladder to the recently shipped Pakistani mercenary.

Sexual Abuse is used and has been used systematically in Bahrain. The same methods used in the 80s, were used in the 90s, and are being used now. The main aims are to extract confessions and to crush the prisoner’s will and dignity. Of course, with time, it becomes just a normal perverted behavior of a sadistic security force. In a conservative society like that of Bahrain, a rape victim can face a multitude of psychological and social problems and in many instances refrain from speaking out. In recent events, the government is accusing protesters with all kinds of bogus charges, and most of the time these charges are baseless. Following an old protocol, interrogators force detainees to sign confessions after severely torturing them and sexually assaulting them, or threatening them with rape. …more

Bahrain:The first football players’ agent and general supervisor of the national team before the court
June 25th, 2011 – BYSHR

Mr. Abdul Razzaq Mohammed-43 years old, former general supervisor of the national team “football”, was arrested on Wednesday, April 13th 2011.

For 7 years he was general supervisor of the Bahraini team and resigned in January 2011.

“Mr. Mohammed was present at the trial for first hearing without lawyer” Mr.Abdul Razzaq’s family informed the BYSHR.

Charges: taking part at illegal gatherings and Broadcasting false news and information.

The case has been adjourned till 29th June, 2011.

Mr.Mahmood Hassan Abu-Idrees- 39 years old, the first football players’ agent in Bahrain, was arrested on Saturday, April 9th 2011.

Received a license from the FIFA in order to be an agent for players. Ref : read here
The first hearing will be on July 11th, 2011.

Photo: Mr.Mohammad in the Pearl Roundabout

On the 23th of June 2011, Mr.Mohammed Hubail, Bahrain national team player, court decided to sentence him to two year imprisonment because of taking part at illegal gatherings.

Attached: List of sport players, Referee and Clubs targeted Because of their involvement in the protests. …more

Home
The Systematic torture in Bahrain continues with full impunity on torturers
26th June, 2011

The prohibition on torture has been considered a peremptory norm of jus cogens (Latin for ‘compelling law’) international law since this body of law was first conceived over a century ago.

“A peremptory norm of general international law is a norm accepted and recognised by the international community of states as a whole as a norm from which no derogation is permitted.”[1]

Bahrain ratified the 1984 Convention Against Torture (CAT) in 1998. Article 2 of the Convention requires states “to take effective measures to prevent [torture] in any territory under its jurisdiction”. The effect of peremptory norms in that states will never admit that they violate such basic moral principles. Which state would admit to piracy, genocide, slavery, racial discrimination or torture, even if it did in fact commit such acts?

Dr Saqer Al-Khalifa, a member of the royal family, wrote a blogpost in which he plays down acts of torture as rare and not officially sanctioned.[2] He tacitly admits that acts of torture occurred in prison, saying that “We hear a lot of cases of over-reactions on the street and some times in prisons. Seeing someone detained in jail who ordered or literally killed a friend dear to you requires an enormous amount of self-control not to throw a punch at least. It was a mistake to keep close friends of the deceased policemen near those responsible for their murder.” This refers to the case of Ali Saqer, the only death in custody which has been officially investigated, and does not explain the prevalence of such claims.

Because torture is a peremptory norm of international law, Al-Khalifa frames his admission of torture in a way which makes it seem rare, justified and an exception to the rule. This denial of a state policy to torture political opponents can be seen in official government statements also.[3] Whether or not torture is state sanctioned, states signatory to the CAT are required to prevent torture occurring within their borders.

Since February 14th, four people have died in Bahraini police custody with obvious signs of torture apparent on their bodies[4] . Human Rights defenders like Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, opposition politicians like Ebrahim Sharif and government critics like Abdulla Isa Al Mahroos[5] have also been suffered abuse in prison[6]. Furthermore, “Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), alleges that security forces… regularly beat hospital patients who had injuries that could have been sustained during the rallies that started in February.”[7] …more

Bahrain begins second trial of doctors and nurses accused in protests
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, June 27, 1:54 PM

MANAMA, Bahrain — The mass trial of 28 Bahraini health professionals who treated injured anti-government protesters campaigning for greater freedoms in the Gulf kingdom resumed on Monday in a special security court.

The prosecution of 28 doctors and nurses, who were charged with participating in efforts to topple Bahrain’s monarchy, signals that the kingdom’s Sunni rulers do not intend to end their relentless pursuit of the Shiite-led opposition despite appeals for dialogue.

The outreach by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has met a cool reception from Shiite leaders who demand that authorities roll back security measures and halt the trials against activists.

Reports of abuse of Bahrain’s leading human rights activist, who’s been in custody since April, have further eroded the opposition’s appetite for reconciliation talks, set to begin Friday.

The activist, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, was convicted last week by a special security tribunal of supporting anti-government protesters and sentenced to life in prison along with seven opposition leaders.

Nabeel Rajab, an activist, said that al-Khawajah was severely beaten in prison after the court session and was taken to a military hospital for treatment. Authorities denied al-Khawajah has been hospitalized and said in a statement to The Associated Press late Monday that the activist remains in custody and is “in stable health.” …more

Special Reports
Bahrain transfers cases to civilian courts
Published: June 27, 2011 at 1:25 PM

MANAMA, Bahrain, June 27 (UPI) — A decision by Bahrain to refer cases tied to a Shiite uprising to the civilian courts is a sign of a recognition of international rights, an official said.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the prison sentences handed down last week to 21 opposition figures in Bahrain. He called on Manama to “allow all defendants” to receive a fair trial and “do everything possible” to create a climate for concrete national dialogue.

Bahrain’s Minister of Social Development and Acting Health Minister Fatima al-Beloushi told Gulf Daily News that life was returning to normal and therefore the civilian courts could handle any cases yet to be tried before tribunals.

“Such a step is a strong indication of Bahrain’s keenness on applying the highest rights and legal standards,” she added.

Meanwhile, the official Bahrain News Agency reported Monday that one unnamed defendant pleaded not guilty though military prosecutors found there was enough evidence from his confessions to indict him. A second trial involving 28 figures accused of spreading “malicious information” was adjourned while the defense reviewed case documents, BNA added.
…more