Posts from — May 2012

Al-Wefaq Responds to Clinton’s Statement on Bahrain Rights

Principal Bahraini opposition party Al-Wefaq released a statement in response to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton‘s call for “meaningful institutional and political reforms that take into account the interests and aspirations.” The party welcomed Clinton’s statement, saying the “interests and aspirations” to which Clinton referred “have been clearly demonstrated […] through the persistent calls for democracy” and that a majority of Bahrainis have “continuously demanded an inclusive democracy, starting with an elected government that represents the will of the people.” The release says that Bahraini authorities have yet to take “any meaningful steps” towards meeting the wishes of its people, adding that any reforms done until now have been “purely cosmetic.”

Meanwhile, reports have emerged of overnight clashes between police and protesters in the villages surrounding Manama, with forces firing bird shot and tear gas at the demonstrators. According to witnesses, several civilians were wounded, and many of the protesters were reportedly carrying photographs of detained human rights activist Nabeel Rajab.

Finally, Elliot Abrams writes that the deteriorating situation in Bahrain is owed largely to a severe lack of leadership from both the Bahraini royal family and the Obama Administration. He suggests that since the publication of the BICI report, King Hamad “has provided no leadership,” while he contends that, aside from a few statements, the United States has done “nothing” to alleviate the building tension between the royal family and the opposition. According to Abrams, real efforts need to made to reach an agreement, such as bringing “key Bahraini leaders to Washington and [having] the President and Secretary or a high-level designee work with them day after day until something is hammered out; [and sending] a top-level empowered emissary to Manama for the same purpose.” …more

Bahrain: Tens of thousands protest in support of rights activist Nabeel Rajab
11 May 2012 – BlottR

Thousands of protesters took part in a protest in the village of Karzakan in support of prominent activist Nabeel Rajab who was arrested a week ago.

Protesters were seen holding pictures of Rajab who has become one of the symbols of the Bahraini uprising.

Rights activist Nabeel Rajab was arrested on last Saturday at Manama airport after returning from a human rights conference in Beirut, Lebanon. He appeared in front of a court the next day where he faced charges of “inciting illegal rallies and marches online by using social networking websites.”

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior issued a statement stating that Rajab was detained on the order of the Attorney-General. On the other hand, Rajab’s lawyers mentioned that the charges against him include “engagement in illegitimate practices” and “incitement to gatherings and unlicensed marches”. They also affirmed that he has been questioned about some of his tweets and has been accused of “insulting a statutory body; being the Ministry of Interior”.

The president of the Bahrain centre for Human Rights will be sent to public prosecution this Sunday where the question of his release will be discussed.

The Shi’ite community has been demanding democratic reforms. More than a year after the beginning of the uprising, members of the Shi’ite community protest almost every day in different villages and cities across the Gulf kingdom.

The majority Shi’ite community say they feel marginalized by the minority Sunni al-Khalifa regime, which has been in power for more than 200 years. Bahrain’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa has occupied his position for 42 years. The Shi’ite population demand democratic reforms that would reduce the extensive powers of the ruling Sunni Muslim Al Khalifa family.

According to activists the regime’s violent clampdown on pro-democracy protests resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people since the beginning of the popular uprising last year. …source

Renewal of U.S. Security Cooperation With Bahrain

Press Statement [Department of State]
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
May 11, 2012

Today, the Administration informed Congress that for national security interests we have decided to release additional items and services for the Bahrain Defense Force, the Coast Guard, and the National Guard for the purpose of helping Bahrain maintain its external defense capabilities. Bahrain is an important security partner and ally in a region facing enormous challenges. Maintaining our and our partners’ ability to respond to these challenges is a critical component of our commitment to Gulf security. ‪

We have made the decision to release additional items to Bahrain mindful of the fact that there are a number of serious unresolved human rights issues that the Government of Bahrain needs to address. We will continue to maintain the holds on the TOW missiles and Humvees that were notified to Congress last October. Certain additional items for the Bahrain Defense Force, as well as all items for the Ministry of the Interior, excepting the Coast Guard and units deployed in Afghanistan, will also remain on hold. The items that we are releasing are not used for crowd control.

While the Government of Bahrain has begun to take some important steps to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report, the country is becoming increasingly polarized and much work remains to be done. We are concerned about excessive use of force and tear gas by police. At the same time, we are concerned by the almost daily use of violence by some protestors. We urge all sides to work together to end the violence and refrain from incitement of any kind, including attacks on peaceful protestors or on the Bahraini police.

Going forward, we will continue to engage with Bahrain to encourage meaningful progress on human rights and reform. The United States believes that addressing the underlying causes of last year’s unrest and undertaking meaningful political and institutional reforms are critical to Bahrain’s stability and the strength of our countries’ longstanding partnership. All Bahrainis have a significant stake in participating in dialogue that leads to reform, and we call on the Bahraini government and people to resolve their issues through discussion. We remain committed to supporting Bahrain in achieving progress in these areas. ….source

NATO and US admit killing 20 Afghan civilians
11 May, 2012 – Al Akhbar

NATO and US forces in Afghanistan admitted on Friday that a number of civilians were killed in two separate airstrikes, days after President Hamid Karzai warned that such deaths threatened relations with the US.

A joint statement by NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and US forces gave no details of how many civilians died in each incident, but local officials have put the total at more than 20, including women and children.

“The coalition takes full responsibility for these tragic and regrettable incidents, and we will meet with the family members of those who died or were injured to express our sincere condolences,” the statement said.

ISAF commander General John Allen will brief Karzai on the results of initial investigations into the incidents on May 4 in southern Helmand province and on May 6 in northwestern Badghis province.

“The president will be assured of our commitment to take any and all appropriate actions to minimize the likelihood of similar occurrences in the future,” the statement said.

“If our investigation finds someone responsible, appropriate action will be taken to hold them accountable.”

On Sunday, Karzai summoned Allen and US ambassador Ryan Crocker to warn that civilian deaths caused by international forces fighting a Taliban insurgency threatened the strategic pact he signed with US President Barack Obama last week.

“We must not allow these incidents to damage our shared goals of a peaceful and secure Afghanistan,” the ISAF statement said.

“We have accomplished much together over the past ten years. We, as partners with the Afghan government, look forward to continuing this momentum.”

In the Helmand incident, six members of a family, including two boys, three girls and a woman, were killed in an airstrike after ISAF checkpoints came under attack, the provincial governor’s office said.

In Badghis province, an airstrike killed 15 civilians, including women and children, the provincial member of parliament Qazi Abdul Rahim told AFP, although that figure has not been independently confirmed.

Civilian casualties have always been a sensitive issue in the US-led war against Taliban Islamists, who were ousted from power in a 2001 invasion, and have often been the cause of tense relations between Kabul and Washington.

The number of civilians killed has risen steadily each year for the past five years, reaching a record of 3,021 in 2011, the great majority caused by militants, according to UN statistics. …source

Administration Renews Bahrain Weapons Sale
11 May, 2012 – POMED

Citing national security interests, Victoria Nuland, spokesperson for the State Department, released a statement which details the Administration’s decision to “release additional items and services for the Bahrain Defense Force, the Coast Guard, and the National Guard for the purpose of helping Bahrain maintain its external defense capabilities.” According to Nuland, while taking into consideration “a number of serious unresolved human rights issues…the Government of Bahrain needs to address,” the items that will be released are not intended for use in crowd control. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed similar sentiment days prior, saying “that much work remains to fully address ongoing human rights issues.” Nuland blamed the Government of Bahrain and the opposition for the ongoing violence, and urged both sides to work together.

While the Administration has recently released “additional items and services” to the Bahrain Navy, this action comes after H.J. Res. 80 attempted to suspend the sale. In addition, in February, multiple members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to “express our opposition to the Adminstration’s decision to move forward with the sale of a limited number of military items and services to Bahrain,” as they “believe that any such sale at this time sends the wrong signal to Bahrain and the world about America’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.” …source

Letter Two: Reflection from Sheikh Mohammed Ali, the Bahraini Prisoner of Conscience
10 May, 2012

Dear President Barak Obama,

I am writing to you my second letter while I am sitting behind the bars, where I cannot breathe the fresh air except two hours every day, and I cannot breathe freedom at all. I am in a very small room with six prisoners accompanying me, sharing one bathroom. I live in a place where even animals cannot live. I live in a place where I cannot read, see the papers, or even perform the least hobbies of sports and writing. I am in a place where we do not have any proper medication or regular medical check-up. The medical check-up is dedicated for measuring how far they can torture you. I am in a place where I have no access to the outside world. I hope this letter reaches you and spread the agony and tragedy I am living with hundreds of prisoners of conscience with the approval of the United States of America.

Mr. President, I would like to speak to you about my message in life, and my society’s visions, missions and goals. Amal is neo-a liberal Islamic society that was established in 2001 and officially declared in 2002 under the official law of Bahrain. Amal carries two meaning in Arabic. Amal is work and it also means hope. We believe that collective work is the hope that will bring prosperity to Bahrain. Our society is a restructure of Bahrain Frontline established in 1980. We restructured our strategies after the national royal pardon of the King in 2001. We believe that political partnership, and we have been calling for a genuine partnership since 2002, because we perceived from that time that without a genuine partnership, the country is destined to an inevitable clash. The conditions of Bahrain were not acceptable, and this is why I personally was very keen on bringing up the crucial problems that eventually lead to 14 February. Amal organized three conferences as follows:The Inevitable need for a Consensus Modern Constitution (2003); The Bitter Reality of Poverty (2007); and Together to Solve Housing Crisis (2008). In 2007, Amal allied with Waad Society (Ebrahim Sharif) and Haqq Movement and called for a genuine change beginning with the change of the current Prime Minister, who is in his place for forty-three years. At that time, teenagers and the youth rallied on the streets and we called for the emergent need for change; an emergent need for an initiative that genuinely lead the country to prosperity because we read from the daily protests that a revolution is coming on the way.

Amal never took part in any elections, and Amal boycotted all the parliamentary elections because we believe that the representatives will be corrupt and take part in misrepresenting democracy. It was public bribery to represent a distorted democracy, where no genuine decision or legislation could be carried out. In the last ten years, there were three elections, and the representative were only puppetry performers, where they fight over trivial issues and they turned the Lower House of Representatives to a sectarian conflicting place, where the most trivial discussions were turned to Sunni-Shiite fights. Moreover, the representatives did not establish any reject to build the country’s infrastructure or help establish laws to guarantee respecting human rights and improving civil rights and civil liberties.

In 2007, we warned the country that an inevitable revolution is surging on the horizon, and we never stopped pointing out to this imminent blow out until February 14th 2011. Before February 14, there was a meeting with the US previous Ambassador, Mr. Adam Early, with some people who claim themselves as the leading opposition in Bahrain. These people reported to the Ambassador that the calls for 14th February are uttered from children and teenagers, who are fascinated with the revolution of Egypt, but they are under control and they are only children.

Mr. President, We were the only officially registered society who knew this is not only a dream of teenagers. Bahrain did suffer from all the conditions and circumstances that would eventually lead to a revolution, and our vision was right. I would like to point to an important fact in this point about the so-called Crown Prince Dialogue. The Dialogue was only an excuse to pass time while in reality there was a plan to break down the Pearl Revolution. The visit of Mr. Robert Gates was not a coincidence and it is a proof that the United States of America is a partner in the murder of tens of Bahrainis, torturing thousands of prisoners, detaining thousands of innocents, and suspending thousands from their jobs.

Mr. President, I regret to say that the United States Silence and partnership in this sectarian genocide is a shame that will haunt the history of America during the Presidency of President Barack Obama. However, it is not late, and I am sure there is time to erase this black spot that ushered a counterattack to choke the call for democracy. I do believe that the spirit of the “Declaration of Independence” will lead to better stands from the United States of America.
In conclusion, despite the fact that I have spent a whole year in torture and without my freedom I have a belief to convey to you. The Khalifa Regime might have detained me, tortured me, and put me under detention for no reasons, but they cannot deprive me from my freedom, the spirit of freedom and liberty, and my dream of a country where the national motto is “for God, for Justice, for Freedom.”

Yours,
Sheikh Mohammed Ali Almahfoodh
Chairman of Amal Islamic Society
Jaw Central Prison of Bahrain

Latuff

Bahrain civilian court put medics’ retrial on hold until June
By Associated Press – 10 May, 2012

MANAMA, Bahrain — A Bahraini defense lawyer says the retrial of 20 medical professionals on allegations of aiding the Gulf kingdom’s uprising has been adjourned for a month.

The doctors and nurses had been sentenced to prison terms of between five and 15 years by a now-disbanded security tribunal, which was set up by the Sunni monarchy as part of crackdowns against Shiite-led protests that began 15 months ago.

In March, a retrial began in civilian court but was immediately postponed. Lawyer Jalila al-Sayed says the court Thursday delayed proceedings again until June 14.

A retrial also is under way for a group of 21 activists, including a rights defender on hunger strike for three months.
…source

US: Syria bombings unjustifiable
10 May, 2012 – Al Akhbar

The White House condemned Thursday’s suicide car bombings in Damascus, which it said were not representative of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar Assad, arguing they showed the need to end the country’s upheaval.

“Attacks like these that result in the indiscriminate killing and injury of civilians are reprehensible and cannot be justified,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said. “They also remind us of the urgent necessity of achieving a political solution before it is too late.

“We do not believe (this) kind of attack that you saw in Damascus is representative of the opposition. There are clearly extremist elements in Syria, as we have said all along, who are trying to take advantage of the chaos in that country, chaos brought about by Assad’s brutal assault on his own people,” Carney said aboard Air Force One.

The two blasts killed 55 people and wounded 372 in the deadliest attacks in the Syrian capital since the uprising against Assad began 14 months ago. …more

Focus on Hillary Clinton’s appearance sparks criticism
By Martha T. Moore – USA TODAY

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Sheik Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Wednesday.

Her hair, a perennial topic, and makeup, or lack thereof, have been in the news since the website Drudge Report posted a photo Monday of the secretary of State wearing glasses and no cosmetics other than lipstick during a trip to India. The faulty-French headline: “Hillary au Naturale.” A story in the April issue of Elle magazine quoted Clinton’s aides bemoaning her recent habit of pulling her hair back in a casual ponytail with a scrunchie, a fabric-covered hair elastic.

Asked about the attention in an interview on CNN, Clinton said she is beyond worrying about reaction to her appearance. “If I want to wear my glasses, I’m wearing my glasses. If I want to wear my hair back I’m pulling my hair back. You know at some point it’s just not something that deserves a lot of time and attention.”

That led to a flurry of media attention from newspapers, morning news shows and blogs.

The chatter follows a wave of positive press for the 64-year-old former first lady, senator and presidential candidate, including the Elle profile; a “Texts from Hillary” website that assigned her a 007-level of cosmopolitan cool; renewed buzz about a possible presidential run in 2016; and a popularity rating far exceeding that of her boss, President Obama.

The attention to her looks is a familiar theme, not just for Clinton — whose appearance has been judged, often harshly, since she appeared in a velvet headband on 60 Minutes in 1992 — but for other women in politics, including Republicans Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin. …more

Bahrain court adjourns retrial of activists
9 May, 2012 – by altahrir

A court in Bahrain has adjourned for two weeks the retrial of 21 activists and opposition figures accused of plotting to overthrow the state.

The court said two of the defendants, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and Abdullah al-Mahroos, had to be present in court. Seven are being tried in absentia.

Mr Khawaja has been on hunger strike for 91 days in protest at jail terms imposed by a military court in June.

Last week, the activist’s wife dismissed the retrial as “ridiculous”.

Khadija al-Moussawi said the Bahraini authorities were simply “playing for time” in the face of international pressure to release him.

Mr Khawaja meanwhile told the BBC in hospital that he intended to continue his hunger strike despite widespread fears that he might die.

He accused medics of force-feeding him, something officials denied.

‘Forced confessions’

During Tuesday’s hearing, the civilian court allowed defence lawyers to meet their clients and demanded that Mr Khawaja and Mr Mahroos receive suitable medical assistance when the retrial resumes on 22 May.

The lawyers complained that their clients had faced abuse in custody and been forced to sign confessions that they had used or advocated violence against King Hamad during last year’s pro-democracy protests.

The defendants were convicted by the National Safety Court, a military tribunal. Seven of them, including Mr Khawaja, were sentenced to life in jail. Mr Mahroos, a prominent Shia religious figure and critic of the Gulf kingdom’s Sunni-dominated government, was sentenced to 15 years. …more

Peace and Liberty from behind the Bars
8 May, 2012 – Sheikh Mohammed Ali Almahfoodh

Dear President Barack Obama,

I, Sheikh Mohammed Ali Almahfoodh, Chairman of Amal Society in Bahrain, am writing to you this letter from my cell in Jaw Center of Rehab. This letter is going to be the beginning of a series of letters since I have no access to you in person or any representative from the U.S. administration. Since I love my country, and since I believe in my sincere just cause and call for freedom and democracy, I feel obliged to write this. I am writing to you from the heart of Bahrain’s misery, from the essence of the crisis. I am writing from my prison where many liberty and freedom seekers are hushed and muted because Bahrain is a strategic ally for the United States of America.

Mr. President, It is my pleasure to speak about the values of the United States of America. These values were carried out from American great fathers to you and all America by the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These values were reshaped in the modern American strategy of “spreading Peace and Democracy.”These values were inspirational to the movement of Bahrain on February 14th when the Bahraini people decided to seek freedom, dignity, and equality. These values were a model that thousands in Bahrain wanted to transfer and implement in the Bahraini experience. However, these values were stamped upon and smashed when it came to Bahrain. The United States administration has not displayed any genuine and serious stand to support the call for democracy, to support the streets’ struggle for justice and equality. This is not to belittle the continuous efforts played by the United States from behind the scenes. I want to assure you that I and all Bahrainis expect more to support our just cause.

Mr. President, In April 2011, the Minister of Justice declared dissolving the political parties but after a speech from the White house, it was cancelled on the very same day. Our society, Amal Society which is registered under the law of Bahrain, was not dissolved, but all the members of Amal were targeted and eventually imprisoned. My party and I were subject to severe torture and I will be very happy to tell the whole world about my experience in torture. The irony Mr. President is my handcuffs that have left marks on my hands and were never taken off my hands at all for 45 days were “made in US.” It is so ironic to see the country that “supports peace and democracy” is actually chaining my hands and chaining my freedom as well.

Mr. President, My party and I were put on Kangaroo trials and despite the lack of evidence, we all received sentences of 5-10 years. Currently we are in the appeal court and until now there is nothing but more postpones and more delays. The whole country is on delay. The country is in chaos since even the recommendations of the King are not implemented. If the King does not have a concrete authority, who is the real ruler? Who is the decision maker?

Mr. President, The United States has supported the BICI; but please allows me to highlight the fact that this committee lacks credibility and honesty. We met with the members of the committee many, many times – BICI will be discussed in more details shortly. In all the huge report there was no place for our society, Amal, which is an elite society and it is the second biggest society in the Bahrain. Amal was targeted in all its members and followers, and many cases are related to Amal in one way or another. Even if we try to support the BICI and forget their discrimination against our party, what was implemented from the report is practically nil, needless to state the increase in casualties and injuries.

Mr. President, After one year of 14 February, I think it is time to reconsider the options and strategies in Bahrain. What has improved so far on human rights level? What have changed in the country to the better? Did the crisis calm down? Who are the key players? Does the moderate party have any say to govern the street? Is there any moderate and extreme parties, and who has the right to do this classification? These are questions that require answers to solve the crisis in the country.
In conclusion, I hope my words and thoughts are clear to you and to the whole world. I am full of confidence that you as the leader who is carrying the values of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln will understand my words which are uttered from behind the bars of my prison, from my heart that is longing to embrace dignity and freedom very soon.

Yours Sincerely,
Sheikh Mohammed Ali Almahfoodh
May 8th 2012

Clinton urges Bahrain to do more on human rights
(AFP) – 10 May, 2012

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday urged Bahrain to take further steps to tackle human rights issues in talks here with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the pair discussed Manama’s efforts to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) into last year’s pro-democracy protests.

“Clinton noted the steps already taken to implement the recommendations, but expressed that much work remains to fully address ongoing human rights issues, including individual cases,” Nuland said in a statement.

“She encouraged the Bahraini government to champion a clear process — in both word and action — that leads to meaningful institutional and political reforms that take into account the interests and aspirations of all Bahrainis,” Nuland said.

King Hamad promised reforms after the independent commission probing Bahrain’s March 2011 crackdown on Shiite-led democracy protests reported in November that police had used “excessive force” and tortured detainees.

King Hamad commissioned the report to investigate allegations of government misconduct and human rights abuses against democracy activists and opposition figures.

Amnesty International says 60 people have been killed in Bahrain since the uprising began in mid-February 2011.

New York based Human Rights Watch said earlier this year that Bahrain’s “rulers have not fully carried out the key recommendations” of the inquiry into the “largely peaceful pro-democracy protests in February-March 2011.”

“Clinton affirmed the long-standing commitment of the United States to a strong partnership with both the people and the government of Bahrain,” Nuland added.

Bahrain is a key Gulf Arab ally as it serves as the headquarters for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. …more

Pakistan tests another nuclear-capable missile
10 May, 2012 – AL Akhbar

Pakistan carried out a successful test firing of a short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile on Thursday, the military said.

The launch of the Hatf III, which has a range of up to 290km and can also carry conventional warheads, came at the end of a field training exercise, a military statement said.

Two weeks ago Pakistan test-fired an intermediate range ballistic missile, seen as a response to arch-rival India’s launch of its new long-range Agni V, capable of hitting targets anywhere in China.

India and Pakistan – which have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947 – have routinely carried out missile tests since both demonstrated nuclear weapons capability in 1998.

Defense analysts say India’s strategic priorities are moving away from Pakistan to focus more on China, while Pakistan is still worried about its old foe. …more

Bloggers and activists to be retried before civilian court
10 May, 2012 – Reporters without Borders

Reporters Without Borders welcomes the decision to retry 21 human rights activists and government opponents who received jail sentences from a military court last year for their dissident activities. They are now to be tried before a civilian court.

The defendants include two bloggers, Abduljalil Al-Singace and Ali Abdulemam, and the human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, who has been on hunger strike for more than 80 days and is in very poor health. The trial began on 8 May but was immediately adjourned until 21 May because Khawaja and another defendant are hospitalized and were too ill to attend.

“This new trial will hopefully redress the travesty of justice that these activists received when they were court martialled,” Reporters Without Borders said. “They must now be acquitted and those responsible for mistreating them must be called to account for their acts.”

The jail sentences that were imposed at the end of the original military trial on 22 June 2011 were upheld on appeal on 27 September as regards 14 of the defendant including the blogger Abdeljalil Al-Singace, who had been given a life sentence.

They were convicted of creating and running a terrorist group designed to change the constitution and system of monarchy by force, being in contact with a foreign terrorist group that acts in the interests of a foreign country and carries out hostile actions against Bahrain, and raising funds for this group.

The other seven, who had been convicted in absentia, were unable to appeal without first surrendering to the authorities. They include Ali Abdulemam, who was given a 15-year sentence and has been missing for more than a year.

Abdulhadi Khawaja’s daughter, Zaynab Al-Khawaja, an activist who often posts on Twitter (@angryarabia), was arrested after trying to visit her father on 21 April and has been held ever since. She had been due to appear in court yesterday. A hearing is now scheduled for 15 May.

Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for the release of Nabeel Rajab, the head of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, who was arrested on his return from a visit to Lebanon on 5 May on various charges including insulting government officials in Tweets. He is next due to appear on court on 22 May on a charge of inciting others to participate in illegal demonstrations. …more

Iran: Free Students Jailed for Speaking Out
10 May, 2012 – UNCHR RefWorld

Iranian authorities should immediately free dozens of university students currently behind bars solely for peacefully expressing political opinions, and end harassment of student activists on university campuses throughout the country, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch issued the call as part of a joint campaign initiated by Iranian and international student and rights groups to highlight the government’s systematic crackdown against university students for their political activism.

The campaign has called for the unconditional and immediate release of the 32 students in prison on various national security-related charges. Authorities rounded up many of these students after the disputed June 2009 presidential election, and revolutionary courts convicted and sentenced them on charges such as “propaganda against the system,” “participating in illegal gatherings,” and “insulting the president.” Therefore all were convicted specifically for exercising their rights under international law to freedom of speech, of association, and of peaceful assembly. Security, intelligence, and university officials have disciplined, suspended, or expelled hundreds of other students who criticized the government during the past few years.

“Instead of serving as sanctuaries for higher learning and free debate, Iran’s university campuses are being targeted by the government to silence dissent, stifle academic freedom, and impose uniformity of thought,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

Two of Iran’s largest student groups, Tahkim-e Vahdat (Office to Foster Unity) and its alumni association Advar-e Tahkim-e Vahdat, spearheaded the Speak Up for Imprisoned Students campaign on April 21, 2012.

Activists began the campaign on the heels of a report prepared by Tahkim in January that documented the arrests of students. According to the report, since March 2009, 436 students have been arrested, 254 convicted, and 364 suspended or expelled. Tahkim also alleged that judiciary officials had summoned at least 144 students for investigations and that officials have closed down 13 student publications.

Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, highlighted the dire situation of student activists in his most recent report in March 2012. The report, which followed an interim report on September 23, 2011, documented a “striking pattern of violations” by Iranian authorities and outlined the government’s continuing refusal to cooperate with UN bodies.

As recently as April, Kamran Daneshjoo, the minister of science, research, and technology, announced that, “Individuals who participated in the 2009 insurrection … have no right to enter universities.” The Science Ministry, the primary government body responsible for regulating universities in Iran, has introduced a number of controversial measures during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency in an effort to “Islamicize” Iran’s universities. …more

Terrorist bombings in Syrian, 40 killed, 170 injured
10 May, 2012 – Shia POst

Syrian state TV says two bomb attacks have been carried out in the capital, Damascus, killing 40 people and wounding 170 others.

The “terrorist attacks” were carried out on the freeway in the south of Damascus early on Thursday.

On May 9, a bomb attack also targeted a Syrian military truck escorting a convoy of UN observers near the southwestern city of Dara’a. Six Syrian soldiers were wounded in the attack.

Head of the UN mission Major General Robert Mood was also in the convoy, but neither he nor any of the other monitors sustained injuries.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern about the attack in Dara’a on Wednesday.

Ban called on the Syrian government and the opposition to “realize that we have a brief window to stop the violence, a brief opportunity to create an opening for political engagement between the government and those seeking change.”

The latest attacks in Damascus were conducted ten days after the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 20 people were killed and scores of others injured in two bomb attacks against the Air Force Intelligence headquarters and the Military Intelligence building in the northwestern city of Idlib on April 30.

A number of UN observers are currently monitoring a ceasefire in Syria that took effect on April 12.

The ceasefire was part of a six-point peace plan proposed by UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan in March.

The first group of the UN observers arrived in Damascus late on April 15. The observers were approved for the mission according to UNSC Resolution 2042 passed on April 14.

On April 21, the UN Security Council met and unanimously voted on Resolution 2043 to send a mission of 300 observers to Syria.

The Security Council “established, for an initial 90-day period, a supervision mission, to be known as UNSMIS, comprising an initial and expeditious deployment of up to 300 unarmed military observers, including an appropriate civilian component and air transportation assets, to monitor a cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties,” reads Resolution 2043. …more