Bahrain arrests protest leaders ahead of F1 amid torture reports
By Andrew Hammond – 17 April, 2012 – The Star

DUBAI (Reuters) – Bahrain has arrested at least 60 Shi’ite protest leaders in recent days to try to prevent widescale unrest ahead of a controversial Formula One Grand Prix this week, activists said on Tuesday.

News of the crackdown coincided with a statement from Amnesty International which said it was getting credible reports of the use of torture in the Gulf Arab state despite promises of reform.

“The authorities are trying to portray the country as being on the road to reform, but we continue to receive reports of torture and use of unnecessary and excessive force against protests,” Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa deputy director, said in a statement.

“Their reforms have only scratched the surface.”

Bahrain is gearing up to host a prestigious Grand Prix on April 20-22, an event that was cancelled last year because of unrest and one it hopes will improve its international image and show it is serious about reform.

In particular, it is eager to show that the country’s Sunni Muslim rulers have repaired relations with the majority Muslim Shi’ite community after last year’s protests, which were put down with the help of troops from neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain’s Shi’ites complain they are given fewer opportunities and access to jobs and housing than the Sunni elite.

But activists said on Tuesday that relations between the two communities were still badly strained by routine violence.

They said riot police had used live ammunition for the first time since last year’s pro-democracy protest movement was crushed, firing bullets into the air.

“We have evidence in photographs and video from April 13 in Diraz and Sitra,” said Mohammed al-Maskati, head of the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights. …more

UN experts call for release of imprisoned Bahrain human rights activist
Dan Taglioli – 14 April, 2012 – Jurist

Photo source or description
[JURIST] Four independent UN human rights experts on Friday called for the immediate release [press release] of Bahraini human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, who is serving a life sentence for terrorism-related charges after being tried before the Bahrain military National Safety Court in June 2011. Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders Margaret Sekaggya [official profile] expressed concern that Al-Khawaja’s trial and sentence are linked to his legitimate work to promote human rights. Maina Kiai [official profile], the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of assembly and association, provided skepticism about both the proportionality and proper review of Bahrain’s “national security” restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly, noting such restrictions should not be used to suppress human rights activists. Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Gabriela Knaul [official profile] expressed concern that Al-Khawaja and other civilian human rights defenders have been tried before military courts, particularly since allegations of defendants’ confessions being made under duress reportedly have not been investigated despite the confessions being admitted at trial, constituting a contravention of international law. Special Rapporteur on torture Juan Mendez [official profile] condemned the Bahraini government for failing to adhere to the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners [text] regarding Al-Khawaja’s physical and mental integrity. Al-Khawaja was allegedly physically mistreated and perhaps tortured [JURIST report] while in custody, displaying visible physical signs of abuse at trial. Special rapporteurs [UN News Centre report] hold unpaid honorary positions apart from UN staff, and are appointed by the Human Rights Council [official website] to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme.

Earlier this month Al-Khawaja’s lawyers and members of the Bahrain opposition appealed his conviction [JURIST report] to the Bahrain Court of Cassation, which is expected to issue a verdict on April 23. Al-Khawaja is a Danish citizen, the former protection coordinator with Front Line Defenders [advocacy website] and a leading Bahraini human rights defender. The UN experts’ call for his release came among international concern for his health due to repeated hunger strikes [JURIST report], the most recent of which he has been staging since February 8. Several parties, including Danish diplomats, have confirmed his deteriorating condition, and pictures and reports have surfaced documenting his poor state of health despite contrary assurances by Bahraini authorities. Last month Amnesty International [advocacy website] called for Al-Khawaja’s release when his hunger strike passed 50 days [JURIST report], which came a few weeks after Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] accused Bahrain of convicting hundreds of opposition activists in unfair and politically motivated trials in a 94-page report detailing alleged due process violations [JURIST report] in both civilian and military courts. …more

Mourners as Cemetery in Salmadbad Bahrain under attack by MOI Police

Bahrain Grand Prix 2012: former Bahraini politician fearful over ‘casualties’ at ‘three days of anger’ protests
By Tom Cary – 17 April, 2012 – Telegraph

Three to four thousand people, including women and children, marched peacefully through the village of Al Dair, near the country’s airport, for about an hour waving placards reading “Down with Hamad” [the King] and “We want Freedom not Formula”.

While the atmosphere at the protest remained calm and jovial, reports of an unscheduled gathering in Sitra later this evening are circulating.

Should it go ahead it could prove less peaceful as it has not been “scheduled” through the police and is therefore not considered above board. Protests that have not been announced are considered to pose a greater threat of violence.

Earlier today Jasim Husain, a former Bahraini politician who represented the primary opposition group, Al-Wefaq, for five years prior to resigning in protest following last year’s anti-government demonstrations, warned that one serious incident would be “very likely” to hit F1’s presence hard in Bahrain.

Husain has insisted his views are his own and not that of Al-Wefaq, saying: “I don’t see lots of protests throughout the country, especially outside the vicinity of the racing area.

“But yes, there is this fear, the fear is there that we could see some casualties.

“So it’s now a challenge for the security forces who have to handle things properly. They should avoid using force.

“Of course, people should be free to express their views, but the responsibility is with the authorities who have to show professionalism in managing any protest.

“The good thing is people are peaceful, protesters are peaceful, that violence is not really any particular part of the political challenge in the country.

“But things have to be handled properly by the authorities.”

F1’s rulers have naturally been eager to distance themselves from the political or moral argument, although there is the suggestion it is being used as a tool for the former.

Given the daily protests against the ruling Bahraini regime, operating under the slogan ‘UniF1ed – One Nation in Celebration’ would appear to underline F1’s significance when it comes to purporting all is well, when it is far from the case.

Instead, FIA president Jean Todt asserts his organisation “are only interested in sport not politics”, with Husein believing it wrong F1 is portrayed as being in support of the ruling al-Khalifa royal family.

“That’s the problem really. It should not be presented this way,” said Husein.

“F1 is a sport, an economic positive, and I hope neither side will see the race as a political tool.

“We do have political issues which have to be addressed, and F1 coming or not coming does not mean those problems will go away.

“But certainly this is not a political event and should not have political implications.

“However, we are suffering from this problem because it is being presented this way.

“People are simply pressing for democratic reforms, and ensuring there is equal opportunity for all, to have real participation in decision making.”

One unnamed protester, however, believes F1 does Bahrain no favours as he said: “People here are getting killed, and with F1 here we feel like they are driving on our blood, on our bodies.”

Further demonstrations are due to take place over the next few days, with one in particular today on the doorstep of the Gulf kingdom’s international airport.

It is understood the focus will not only solely centre on pro-democracy rights, but also anti-F1.

Tomorrow, when most F1 personnel are due to arrive, what has been described by a risk assessment group as “a vehicular rally” is to take place along the two highways that lead up to the airport. …source

‘My father has risked his life to defend human rights. He may die an innocent man in prison. Demand his release before it is too late’ – Maryam al-Khawaja

Bahrain: release hunger striking activist
Amnesty International

Unless the Bahrain authorities act quickly prisoner of conscience Abdulhadi al-Khawaja is likely to die in their custody. He is one of 14 prisoners of conscience arrested for their involvement in anti-government protests last year. He has been on hunger strike since 8 February, willing to die for justice in Bahrain.

Demand his release along with six other activists. Abdulhadi al-Khawaja was tried before a military court and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is thought to have been severely tortured both before and after this unfair trial.

With the world’s eyes on Bahrain as it prepares to host the Grand Prix, this is a vital time to call for the release of all prisoners of conscience. Despite attempts by the authorities to portray the country as being on the road to reform, no-one should be under any illusions that the human rights crisis is over.

The people of Bahrain continue to call for change. Abdulhadi al-Khawaja may pay for that goal with his life. Demand his release before it is too late, and call for the release of all 14 prisoners of conscience – imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly. …more

Amnesty calls government reforms ‘flawed’ and calls to cancel Grand Prix grow louder


Protests Multiply as Bahrain Human Rights Abuses Continue
17 April, 2012 – Common Dreams staff

Pressure to cancel the upcoming Formula 1 ‘Grand Prix’ in Bahrain is mounting after a scathing report by Amnesty International called the ruling government’s recent “reform” efforts deeply “flawed” and amidst ramped up protests on Monday that occurred both inside and outside of the Middle East island nation. The race, which was canceled twice last year because of concerns about safety, is due to run Sunday.

Protesters gathered in Bahrain to show their anger against the planned Formula 1 race. (EPA) “With the world’s eyes on Bahrain as it prepares to host the Grand Prix, no-one should be under any illusions that the country’s human rights crisis is over,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director. “The authorities are trying to portray the country as being on the road to reform, but we continue to receive reports of torture and use of unnecessary and excessive force against protests. Their reforms have only scratched the surface.”

Though F-1 officials have tried to claim that the auto race wants no part of the ‘political or moral arguments’ circulating in Bahrain, one unnamed protester told the Daily Mail that the race could not extract itself from the nation’s turmoil. “People here are getting killed,” he said, “and with F1 here we feel like they are driving on our blood, on our bodies.”

On Monday, two men climbed to the roof of the Bahraini Embassy in London to protest the continued imprisonment of pro-democracy advocates in their country. One of the men’s father has been held in detention by authorities, he claimed, but his only crime was “was to demand human rights and democracy.”

“People here are getting killed and with F1 here we feel like they are driving on our blood, on our bodies.” – Bahraini pro-democracy advocate

And in the Bahrain capital of Manama on Monday, government security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesting crowds as they gathered to express their outrage against the continued repression of the pro-democracy movement and against the race planned for the end of the week. …more

Call for opposition protests ahead of Grand Prix F1
By Saad Abedine, CNN – 17 April, 2012

(CNN) — An opposition group called for a week of demonstrations ahead of Sunday’s Formula 1 Grand Prix race in Bahrain.

The Bahrain Youth Coalition, which has organized a number of anti-government protests, wants “popular days of overwhelming rage” after motorsport’s governing body elected last week to hold the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

The decision came after weeks of speculation amid continuing protests and civil unrest in the Gulf kingdom.

Amnesty International weighed into the controversy by releasing a 58-page report on its investigation of human rights violations, concluding recent reforms have been flawed and piecemeal.

“With the world’s eyes on Bahrain as it prepares to host the Grand Prix, no-one should be under any illusions that the country’s human rights crisis is over,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, the group’s Middle East and North Africa deputy director.

The report said Bahrain’s security forces are still not held accountable for mistreatment of protesters.

“The authorities are trying to portray the country as being on the road to reform, but we continue to receive reports of torture and use of unnecessary and excessive force against protests. Their reforms have only scratched the surface,” Sahraoui said.

A Bahrain government spokesman accused Amnesty International of seeing “the glass half empty and not half full.”

“There are a lot of judicial, security, social economic measures that have been taken that have been put into place that will make Bahrain a better place,” Abdulaziz bin Mubarak al Khalifa said Monday.

In a news release issued Friday, the race’s governing body said its president traveled to Bahrain in November and met with “a large number of decision-makers and opinion formers, including elected Shia members of parliament, the president of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, ambassadors from the European Union countries, the Crown Prince, the Interior Minister and many members of the business community. …more

Bahrain adviser says F1 security plans in place
By Michael Casey – 9 April, 2012 – boston.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—Security at the Bahrain Grand Prix will be “low key and discreet” but will include plans to deal with potential disruptions, such as demonstrators running onto the course, an adviser to the Gulf Kingdom’s Interior Ministry said Monday.

John Yates, a former assistant commissioner in the London Metropolitan Police Service, told The Associated Press he reviewed the plans for the April 22 race. He said authorities aim to provide adequate security for Bahrain’s biggest sports event without showing overt force.

“It is very much hoped that the policing will be low key and discreet,” Yates said. “But if there are problems, they … must be able to escalate their response if need be. People can be assured that if problems arise, then there will be a plan to deal with that as there would be with any public event in the world.”

The 2011 race at Bahrain International Circuit was canceled because of anti-government protests. The subsequent crackdown left at least 50 people dead.

There are still daily clashes between demonstrators and security forces, but the country’s Sunni rulers are intent on holding the race to show the country is recovering from the protests. The protesters, however, are demanding the race be put off until authorities address their concerns over human rights abuses and greater equality for the Shiite majority.

Yates acknowledges there are “pockets of violence” in Shiite villages but said that “95 percent” of the Gulf island is safe.

He said he expects some protests will be allowed but warns that anyone trying to shut down the race would be treated harshly. …more

Press Release: Comments on the Recent Escalations in Bahrain and the International Biased Stance
14 April, 2012

Following our close observation over the recent political and on-ground escalations, we would like to emphasize on the following points for local and global parties concerned:

First: the increasing intensity of civil resistance and Sacred Defense is a natural consequence of the continued Saudi occupation, continued killing and state oppression of our people, continued arbitrary detention of prominent leaders and prisoners of conscience, the serious deterioration in Alkhawaja and Almushaime’ health and absence of the right of expression and peaceful assembly.

Second: we hold the Alkhalifa illegitimate regime, the Saudi invasion and the USA and UK administrations fully responsible for the recent violence outbreak. Our people have shown admirable tolerance and have endured severe pain and even presented flowers to the killers, but the West led by the USA and UK administrations have insisted on maintaining complicit silence over the crimes committed by the Alkhalifa regime and even conspired against the popular revolution in Bahrain. All statements issued by the USA and UK administrations were biased in favor of the illegitimate regime of Alkhalifa despite the fact that our people have exercised maximum restraint and flexibility. Whoever responded to our peaceful people by violent repression and systematic murder shall suffer the consequences and shall have a taste of the pain that our people have patiently endured.

Third: the statements issued by some administrations – especially the USA and UK – concerning the recent incident in AlEker village is a major scandal and is a clear evidence of their double-standards when it comes to matters related to the popular revolution in Bahrain. On the one hand, these administrations have deliberately turn blind eye on the several murder cases committed by the illegitimate regime of Alkhalifa in cold-blood (using live ammunitions in some cases including the case of martyr Ahmed Ismail), and on the other hand, the very same administrations have quickly condemned AlEker incident where a few invaders and mercenaries got injured. Does the life of invading forces and mercenaries killing for money have more value than our peaceful people? What a twisted logic! Therefore, the Coalition of Youth of February 14th Revolution is considering appropriate response to these administrations who are conspiring against our popular revolution. We shall no longer tolerate hypocrisy and double-standards.

Forth: the insistence on holding the F1 race in Bahrain is considered a major provocation to the feelings of our people and it displays irresponsible ignorance toward the victims of the illegitimate regime of Alkhalifa. Such insistence is surely to fuel further anger and violence in the next days. We hold the regime and its supporting administrations as well as the F1 organizers and participants (teams, sponsors, etc.) fully responsible.

Finally, we reiterate that our nation has decided to continue resisting the invading Saudi forces and Alkhalifa mercenaries until the regime falls in order to achieve real democracy. Self-determination is no longer the demand of the Youth Coalition only but the vast majority of political and social communities in Bahrain. Everyone consents that the current ruling regime has lost legitimacy and must be gone.

By: Coalition of Youth of February 14th Revolution
Friday 13th of April, 2012

Todt finally talks about Bahrain GP as trouble between anti-government protestors and police flares in Gulf state
By Simon Cass – 16 April, 2012 – mail online

FIA president Jean Todt has broken his silence on the decision to press ahead with the Bahrain Grand Prix as more trouble flared between police and anti-government protesters in the troubled Gulf state.

Todt was equally tight-lipped on the subject of Bahrain last year, when the race was initially cancelled and subsequently postponed.

However, speaking to German television station RTL at Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, the head of world motorsports governing body insisted the race in Bahrain will pass off without incident.

‘It has a date on the calendar and was always planned,’ said Todt, whose failure to speak out on the subject had previously drawn widespread criticism.
Breaking his silence: Bernie Ecclestone (left) poses with Jean Todt in China

Breaking his silence: Bernie Ecclestone (left) poses with Jean Todt in China

‘There has been some controversy about it, but the FIA is a sports organization. We are only interested in sport – not politics.

‘Our responsibility is that people can go there and have good and secure conditions. This will be the case.

‘We have spoken in this regard with representatives of the government, with the embassies and with neighbouring countries, as well as with European foreign ministries.

‘We have made an extensive examination with a lot of checks. It is clear that the Grand Prix can go ahead.

‘At the moment, a major golf tournament is going ahead in Bahrain. On one hand, there are unpleasant political aspects as well, but it’s the same thing all over the world.

‘On the other hand, we are a sport. We are confident that the next Grand Prix will go ahead just as successfully as this one here in China.’

Tuesday’s trouble took place in Salmabad, six miles from the Bahraini capital Manama and around ten miles north of the Sakhir International Circuit.
Up in arms: Anti-government protesters shout as they march in a procession to visit the grave of Ismael Abdulsamad in the village of Salmabad

Up in arms: Anti-government protesters shout as they march in a procession to visit the grave of Ismael Abdulsamad in the village of Salmabad

The confrontation occurred on the third day of mourning for the death of local cameraman Ahmed Ismael Hassan Al Samadi and followed the now customary pattern of protesters hurling petrol bombs and rocks at the police who responded by firing tear gas into the crowd to disperse them.

Meanwhile, two activists climbed onto the roof of the Bahrain Embassy in London to protest about what they claim are continued human rights abuses in the Middle East country and the decision by Formula One’s power brokers not to cancel the race.

Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani has admitted to taking ‘a calculated decision’ with regard to the staging of the race.

‘We wouldn’t take a decision on a gamble,’ insisted Alzayani. ‘But it’s a calculated decision, we’ve weighed up our options and we are committed to the grand prix and to its success. I don’t think anything drastic will happen. It’s not Syria or Afghanistan.’ A

week ago seven policeman were injured, three seriously, by a petrol bomb and during a march on Friday three teenagers were shot as police attempted to disperse the more volatile demonstrators.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-2130693/Todt-finally-talks-Bahrain-GP-trouble-anti-government-protestors-police-flares-Gulf-state.html#ixzz1sJ3JsDN0