Bahrain regime “pins” false charges of “burning car” on activists

Bahrain detains activists 3 days ahead of F1 race
18 April, 2013 – Al Akhbar

Bahrain has arrested several people accused of stealing and burning cars amid heightened security in the island kingdom before Sunday’s Formula One race, which the opposition sees as a chance to publicize its popular campaign.

Bahrain’s state news agency said late on Wednesday that authorities had arrested a man who later confessed to an incident in which a car burned and exploded in the country’s financial district on April 14.

Four other people accused of stealing and burning a car near a roundabout were also arrested. Another person was detained, being accused of blocking a main road and causing damage to a Bahraini’s car.

Bahrain’s main opposition bloc has called for peaceful demonstrations to be stepped up before the race, saying the global spotlight shone on the kingdom by the Grand Prix would help showcase its message of reform.

Amnesty International said human rights activists claimed dozens of protesters had been arrested ahead of the race.

“The authorities are trying to use the Grand Prix as a platform to show progress, with claims that the human rights situation has improved, whilst stepping up repression in order to ensure nothing disturbs their public image,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Program deputy director in a statement on Wednesday.

“We are seeing nothing but crackdowns and token gestures to clean up the country’s image,” Sahraoui added. …more