Bahrain jailing human rights defenders
12 September, 2012 – World Without Torture

Nabeel Rajab, co-founder of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (at right), and Zainab Al-Khawaja (at left), a Bahrain human rights activist. Photos by Conor McCabe; available via Flickr through Creative Commons License.

The repression against protesters and human rights defenders in the Persian Gulf state of Bahrain has been ongoing during the last 18 months. Beginning with the violent crackdown during the Arab Spring protests, the Bahraini state has been arresting, torturing and detaining human rights defenders, like Abduhadi Al-Khawaja.

Recent reports have emerged from the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) that the judicial harassment of human rights defenders Zainab Al-Khawaja and Nabeel Rajab has been stepped up to detain them on trumped-up charges for their legitimate protests activities against the state. In addition to supporting the work of human rights defenders, we at the IRCT are concerned for their safety; Bahrain has long established a pattern of torturing detainees, and we fear for the safety of Ms Al-Khawaja and Mr Rajab in light of their continued detention.

In our statement, we are echoing the call from BCHR for the Bahrain government to:

1. Immediately release detained human rights defenders Nabeel Rajab and Zainab Al-Khawaja and drop all charges against them, as it is believed that these measures have been taken against them solely due to their legitimate and peaceful work in the defense of human rights, and the exercise of freedom to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in accordance to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

2. Immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience and activists including leading human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja;

3. Immediately put an end to the practice of torture and the ill-treatment of prisoners in Bahrain and bring those responsible to justice;

4. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Bahrain are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.

We also reiterate our call to the international community to put real pressure on the government of Bahrain to stop the ill-treatment of human rights defenders and to to release them immediately as it is believed that they have been targeted solely for their legitimate human rights activities. …source

Bahrain: Students’ rights gravely violated through sham trials, expulsions and unfair detention
12 September, 2012 – Bahrain Center for Human Rights

More than a year and a half following the start of the revolution in Bahrain, university students are still being subjected to sham trials, unlawful imprisonment and prevention from continuing their studies. The Bahrain center for human rights (BCHR) is gravely concerned over these continuous violations of human rights against university students.

Sham Trials

On Thursday 06 September 2012, the high criminal court ruled in the cases of 96 defendants accused in the 13 March University of Bahrain thug attack incident which included students, staff, administrators and a security guard. The court upheld sentences of 84 students, reduced prison sentence against 3 to 3 months’ imprisonment and acquitted 9 [1].

The lawyer S. Mohsen Al Alawi stated to the BCHR, in a previous statement, that some of the accused students were not present in the university on 13 March 2011 and others were from the Isa Town campus while the said events took place at the Sakheer campus. He said that “the judge refused the defense’s request to call upon public figures that stated on Bahrain Television (BTV) that they were present in the University of Bahrain, like the university president and head of Riffa police station”.

Lawyers provided the court with photos of well-known figures from the university incident who were holding weapons, bars and clubs. Even though criminal procedure law allows the court to accuse new defendants when their relation to the case is proved, the judge did not respond to lawyers’ requests. …more

EXCLUSIVE: British Parliament to Investigate Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Human Rights Abuse
12 September, 2012 – Bahrain Freedom Movement

The Foreign Affairs Select Committee will hold an inquiry into the human rights abuses perpetrated by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Labour MP and committee member Ann Clwyd has announced.

In a briefing on Bahrain, Clwyd said: “Eric [Lord Avebury, joint vice-chair of the Parliamentary Group on Human Rights] and I have raised the question of Bahrain over and over again in the House of Lords, House of Commons and obviously we’re not satisfied with the answer we’ve had.”

During the same briefing, activist and acting president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BHCR) Maryam Al-Khawaja called on the UK to discussdiplomatic and economic sanctions against Bahrain and to end the sale of arms.

She told MPs that the Bahrain government, which has been clamping down on pro-democracy protests since February 2011, has only become “emboldened by inaction from the international community”.

“There needs to be real pressure on the Bahrainis from allies like UK to allow UN special rapporteurs into the country, which they have not been doing,” she added.

Al-Khawaja explained that Bahrain has thus far granted access to only one rapporteur, torture expert Juan Méndez, and even his permission was subsequently revoked.

The speaker continued by highlighting the fact that Bahrain has closed its borders and made it impossible for journalists and NGOs to gather information in the country. She also pointed out the importance of a discussion on diplomatic and economic sanctions on Bahrain.

“I think it’s about time [to see a discussion],” she said, welcoming Denmark’sproposal to begin discussions regarding sanctions against Bahrain in the international community.

“Unlike Russia, the UK does speak about human rights and democracy and the need to uphold those things, and yet they continue to support a regime like Bahrain who continues to commit human rights violations almost on a daily basis.

“The majority of human rights violations are still on-going. The Bahraini regime has reached a point where they believe they have acquired international immunity.”

Lord Avebury talked about the controversial presence of Prince Nasser, leader of Bahrain’s Olympic delegation, in the UK during the London 2012 Games.

Nasser is alleged to have personally tortured Bahraini athletes who protested against the regime

“We wrote a letter to the Foreign Office asking for him to be excluded as a person whose presence in the UK is non-conducive to the public good and we sent testimonies from two persons who said to have been tortured by Prince Nasser and this was rejected by the Foreign Office,” he said. …source

NGOs ask Clinton to suspend all US military aid to Bahrain
12 September, 2012 – Reporters Without Borders

Human rights organizations wrote to US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on 10 September asking her to suspend all US military aid to the government of Bahrain because of its human rights violations.

Read the letter :

Honorable Hillary R. Clinton
Secretary of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520

September 10, 2012

Dear Secretary Clinton,

We are writing to alert you to credible reports that the security forces of the Government of Bahrain continue to engage in human rights violations against non-violent, pro-democracy protesters and to urge you to immediately suspend further U.S. military assistance and arms transfers to the responsible units, as required by law.

The United States Government has appropriated at least $299 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and “Section 1206” assistance to Bahrain since 2002, with $10 million in FMF in the pipeline for FY 2012 and $10 million requested for FY 2013.

As you know, Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act (the “Leahy Law”) states that: “No assistance shall be furnished under this Act or the Arms Export Control Act to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible information that such unit has committed a gross violation of human rights.” We believe that the reports cited below constitute “credible information” and that attacks by the police and other security forces on unarmed, non-violent, pro-democracy activists rise to the level of “gross human rights violations,” particularly so when the attacks resulted in death.

We provide the following information to assist you in carrying out the purposes of the law—namely, to avoid U.S. complicity with human rights violations and to create an incentive for the foreign government involved to bring human rights violators to justice.

***

In November 2011, the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) identified 35 people (including at least 19 protestors) killed by Bahraini security forces during the February-March 2011 demonstrations for political liberalization. BICI clearly attributed three of the deaths to the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) [1] and found BDF, Ministry of Interior and the National Security Agency among those responsible for detaining and torturing protestors, including at BDF’s Al Qurain site. [2] While the BICI was able in some cases to document specific units that were involved in multiple incidents, it did not name the units responsible.- [3] We assume, however, that the USG has sought access to this information, [4] and that these units have been notified that they are ineligible to receive further U.S. security assistance until Bahrain takes “effective steps to bring the responsible members of the security forces unit to justice,” as required by Foreign Assistance Act Section 620M(b). We note that full application of this domestic law reinforces the U.S. government’s call for Bahrain to implement fully the BICI Report’s recommendation that investigations and prosecutions for torture and other serious crimes (such as unlawful killings) extend to higher ranks of the security forces. ….more

Bahrain is Britain’s shame
12 September, 2012 – X index – al-Khawaja

Today at the Houses of Parliament, Maryam al-Khawaja asked MPs to put pressure on Bahrain to commit to reforms and free politcal prisoners, including her father and sister. Here, the prominent human rights defender denounces Britain’s indifference
Maryam Al-Khawaja largeWhen confronted with the facts of its own brutal crackdown on popular protests and human rights defenders, Bahraini officials usually stick to a routine. They hide behind tired lines of denial and hype supposed reforms. The actual situation on the ground continues to deteriorate — and inaction from the international community has emboldened the government. Most astounding is the silence from one of Bahrain’s greatest allies: the United Kingdom.

The UK government has made countless pledges to push on Bahrain to implement supposed reforms, but has yet to push forcefully on its partner where it counts. Almost a year after the Bahraini government publicly accepted the grim picture of human rights painted in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report and its recommendations, the country continues to perpetuate flagrant human rights violations.

It is more than important than ever for the United Kingdom’s legislators to question Britain’s relationship with Bahrain — and to place pressure on the government to demand real reform. Bahraini officials like Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who was a VIP guest at the London Olympics despite the numerous allegations he tortured protesters, should be shunned by British mandarins. UK legislators must also push on Bahrain to follow through on promises of transparency and accountability; many of those involved in the crimes committed in the past year and half, have either remained their positions or been promoted.

The United Kingdom’s silence puts places it in danger of being seen as complicit in Bahrain’s human rights abuses, particularly when the UK has a direct method of influencing Bahrain: through its economic relationship. If it doesn’t halt arms sales, the United Kingdom is ostensibly giving permission to the Bahraini government to violently silence its people. A serious commitment to human rights from the United Kingdom means that a serious conversation about economic and diplomatic sanctions is necessary and important to do.

Political prisoners jailed on trumped up charges need the United Kingdom to press on its friend on the international stage. It is shameful that the UK and the US refused to sign onto a joint-statement issued by 27 countries this year, condemning human rights violations. Despite damning evidence that continues to mount both countries have been shamefully silent on this topic — and this must change.

This isn’t about regime change, or a chaotic dialogue about political reform. It is about something very simple: human rights. Silence from such an important trade partner spells out permission, casting a shadow on the UK’s commitment to free expression and human rights. Bahrainis have started saying that the UK and USA are to Bahrain what Russia is to Syria — enablers. …source

UK Parliament

HUMAN RIGHTS IN BAHRAIN

Session: 2012-13
Date tabled: 03.09.2012
Primary sponsor: Clark, Katy
Sponsors: Bottomley, Peter – Corbyn, Jeremy – Dobbin, Jim – Durkan, Mark – Meale, Alan

That this House notes with alarm the report from Physicians for Human Rights on Weaponising Tear Gas highlighting the use of toxic chemical agents by Bahraini security forces against civilians; further notes with concern its findings that Barhraini forces failed to exercise restraint before resorting to force, used disproportionate force when responding to protesters and failed to minimise damage and injury to demonstrators; draws particular attention to seven instances of miscarriages where the pregnant woman had recently been heavily exposed to tear-gas as well as to an earlier list compiled by Physicians for Human Rights of 34 individuals who have died in Bahrain in a 12-month period from tear-gas related deaths; opposes reprisals against Bahraini pro-democracy protesters including the nine medics who had their convictions upheld in June; and calls on the Government to ensure that human rights concerns form the centre-point of all discussions with the Bahraini government until such time that the human rights situation in that country improves.
…source

U.S. has no right to block Israel on Iran – Netanyahu
11 Septemebr, 2012 – By Jeffrey Heller – Reuters

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said the United States had forfeited any moral right to stop Israel taking action against Iran’s nuclear programme because it had refused to be firm with Tehran itself.

In comments which appeared to bring the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran closer, Netanyahu took the administration of President Barack Obama to task after Washington rebuffed his own call to set a red line for Tehran’s nuclear drive.

“The world tells Israel ‘wait, there’s still time’. And I say, ‘Wait for what? Wait until when?'” said Netanyahu, speaking in English.

“Those in the international community who refuse to put red lines before Iran don’t have a moral right to place a red light before Israel,” he added, addressing a news conference with Bulgaria’s prime minister.

Netanyahu has been pushing Obama to adopt a tougher line against Iran, arguing that setting a clear boundary for Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and imposing stronger economic sanctions could deter Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and mitigate the need for military action.

But on Monday U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States would not set a deadline in further talks with Iran, saying there was still time for diplomacy to work.

Netanyahu’s comments came as diplomats said six world powers – including the United States – were poised to voice “serious concern” about Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and to urge Tehran to open up access to suspected nuclear sites.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Tuesday that Washington would have little more than a year to act to stop Tehran if it decided to produce a nuclear weapon.

Netanyahu has had a strained relationship with Obama over Iran and other issues, such as Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

But he has never put differences with Obama – who has pledged he will “always have Israel’s back” and is deep in a re-election campaign – in the context of morality.

The website of Israel’s Haaretz daily newspaper said Netanyahu had carried out “an unprecedented verbal attack on the U.S. government”.

Iran, which denies it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, has threatened to retaliate against Israel and U.S. interests in the Gulf if it attacked, and Obama’s re-election bid could be thrown off course by a new war.

Republican challenger Mitt Romney has accused him of throwing Israel “under the bus”.

Anti-Islam movie directed, produced by Israeli-American: US media
Shia Post – 12 September, 2012

The controversial movie that has sparked outrage in the Muslim world has been produced by an anti-Islam Israeli-American, US media say.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Israeli-American Sam Bacile has directed and produced the blasphemous movie. Bacile, 52, is a real-estate developer living in southern California and a sworn enemy of Islam.

He has assumed responsibility for the film, which he said was made thanks to Jewish donations totaling $5 million.

Earlier, a staff member of the US consulate in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi was killed and one security guard injured during clashes, triggered over the anti-Islam film, at the consulate building.

The incident occurred following a massive demonstration held earlier in the day in neighboring Egypt to condemn a movie that insults Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Thousands of Egyptians gathered in front of the US Embassy in Cairo to express their anger over the movie.

The protesters scaled the walls of the embassy, pulled down the US flag, and called for the expulsion of the US ambassador to Cairo.

They also asked the US government to apologize to the Muslim world over the release of the movie. …more

U.S. ambassador to Libya killed in Benghazi attack
12 September, 2012 – By Hadeel Al Shalchi – Reuters

BENGHAZI, Libya: The U.S. ambassador to Libya and three embassy staff were killed as they rushed away from a consulate building in Benghazi, stormed by Al-Qaeda-linked gunmen blaming America for a film that they said insulted the Prophet Mohammad.

Gunmen had attacked and set fire to the U.S. consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, the cradle of last year’s uprising against Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-year rule, late on Tuesday evening as another assault was mounted on the U.S. embassy in Cairo.

The California-born ambassador, Christopher Stevens, was trying to leave the consulate building for a safer location as part of an evacuation when gunmen launched an intense attack, apparently forcing security personnel to withdraw.

“The American ambassador and three staff members were killed when gunmen fired rockets in their direction,” a Libyan official in Benghazi told Reuters. Airport sources said the bodies were due to be flown from Benghazi to Tripoli.

The attack was believed to have been carried out by Ansar al-Sharia, an Al-Qaeda-style Sunni Islamist group that has been active in Benghazi, a Libyan security official said. Witnesses said the mob also included tribesmen, militia and other gunmen.

The attack raised questions about the future U.S. diplomatic presence in Libya, relations between Washington and Tripoli, the unstable security situation in post-Gaddafi Libya and whether more protests might take place in the Muslim world.

The film portrayed Mohammad as a fool, a philanderer and a religious fake. In one clip posted on YouTube, Mohammad was shown in an apparent sexual act with a woman. For many Muslims it is blasphemous even to show a depiction of the Prophet.

U.S. President Barack Obama, whose administration supported the Libyan insurgency with funds, weapons and training, branded the killing an “outrageous attack” and ordered increased security at U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide.

A Danish newspaper caused a storm of protest across Islamic nations in 2005 by printing cartoons lampooning Islam and the Prophet Mohammad in 2005, the most famous depicted him wearing a bomb in his turban. The images touched off riots in the Middle East, Africa and Asia in 2006 in which at least 50 people died.

…more

Terrorism can`t be justified in any way – Lavrov
by Polina Chernitsa – 12 September, 2012 – The Voice of Russia

“The Western partners have started assessing terrorist attacks relying on what political effects they could have”, Russia`s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting which took place in Astana as part of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Mr. Lavrov said that the reluctance to condemn the latest attacks in Syria proves that the West and many UNSC member states have revised their policies. Apart from the Syrian crisis the conference in Astana focused on the Iranian nuclear issue, the situation in Afghanistan, as well as on Asia`s growing influence on the international scene.

The Astana conference is taking place on the 20th anniversary of the forum. The CICA was established to ensure peace, security and stability in Asia. The ambitious agenda reflects the interests of all the countries involved. The CICA comprises 24 permanent members, including Russia, Iraq, Bahrain, and Pakistan. Japan, Qatar, the US, as well as the UN, the Arab League and the OSCE hold the observer status in the CICA.

Speaking during the meeting in Astana Mr. Lavrov said that the organization has turned into an influential platform for discussion in the Asian region. Mr. Lavrov`s speech, however, focused more on the difficulties the region has been facing. Commenting on the situation in Syria, Sergei Lavrov criticized the UNSC member states for not condemning the latest attacks in the country…

“The Security Council earlier stressed that terrorism would never be accepted no matter what justifications are made. After the latest attack in Aleppo which killed 27 people our western partners took a pause and did not offer any reaction to the tragedy which makes us think that they have revised their policy. It looks like our partners are now assessing the attacks from the point of view of whether they are politically beneficial. I will be glad to know that my suspicion is wrong. Meanwhile, my position remains unchanged.”

At the ministerial meeting Mr. Lavrov spoke about the need to settle the Syrian crisis without foreign interference. The minister added that many other countries have been trying to use the Syrian crisis to stir up conflicts in the Middle East. …more