Congressman McGovern Denounces Bahraini Government’s Use of Force

Congressman McGovern Denounces Bahraini Government’s Use of Force
16 February, 2012 – POMED

In a statement released yesterday, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) denounced the use of force by Bahraini authorities preventing Bahrainis from assembling to commemorate the one-year anniversary of mass demonstrations. The use of tear gas, armored personnel carriers, and other forceful actions by security forces to impede Bahrainis from freely gathering in public spaces is “inconsistent with the fundamental human rights to assemble peaceable and express one’s views.” The Congressman went on to urge the Bahrain government to make lasting reforms that ensure greater freedom, address the human rights abuses, and implement all of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. “Bahrain will be a stronger country when the rights of all of its citizens are fully respected,” said McGovern.

The one-year anniversary was marked by arrests and over 120 protesters injured, with medics reporting some of the casualties had been hit by birdshot – a controversial ammunition Bahraini police deny using. The Bahrain Center for Human Rights said the Bahraini authorities were working to “brutally suppress the protests,” and cited excessive use of tear gas, stun grenades, and shotguns. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa stated on his website, “the heightened security presence at this time aims to spread security and reassure all citizens and residents… Expressing opinion must be within the space allowed by the law.” Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon, secretary-general of the U.N., released a statement urging all parties to exercise “maximum restraint and expects the Bahraini authorities to act in accordance with their international human rights obligations.”

In related news, the Washington Times has reported that secret talks took place between senior government officials and the top opposition bloc to discuss resuming formal talks. “If we notice that there is serious will by the government to have a dialogue and that the main things we demanded will be put on the agenda … we will welcome such a serious dialogue,” said Jawa Fairoz, a former Wefaq lawmaker jailed during last year’s unrest. …more