Bahrain's FiGhTerS ✔ · @BHfighters
17th Sep 2011 from Twitlonger
#Bahrain #Bhn |
#Amensty Sweden released a statment on Bahrain:"We demand the prisoners to be released in Bahrain"
http://svtdebatt.se/2011/09/amnesty-vi-kraver-att-fangarna-i-bahrain-friges/
translated into english:
Amnesty International: "We demand the prisoners to be released in Bahrain"
Published September 15, 2011 - 13:17
BAHRAIN Over the past few months, the world's eyes were directed towards what happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria. Governments worldwide have praised protest movements. However, it has been very quiet about what happened in Bahrain. Even when Saudi Arabia sent the military to put down peaceful protests in Bahrain, where among other Swede Mohammad Habib al-miqda participated, raised voices from the outside world. It writes Lise Bergh, Secretary General Amnesty International, Swedish section.
In recent years, signs of an Arabian our been seen also in Bahrain, the small islands off the Saudi coast, where the regime ruled supreme for over 40 years. Protests by opposition has flared up occasionally, but always turned down hard and brutal. Last year, autumn we go again. Religious leaders, trade unionists and human rights activists organized a peaceful protest calling for reforms.
In recent months, the world's eyes were directed towards what happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria. Governments worldwide have praised protest movements. However, it has been very quiet about what happened in Bahrain. Even when Saudi Arabia sent the military to put down peaceful protests in Bahrain were raised voices from the outside world.
One of those who participated in the protests, and arrested in August 2010 when the regime cracked down on the reformers, was a Swede, Mohammad Habib al-miqda, Shiite cleric and human rights activist. Initially held Mohammad Habib al-miqda isolated and denied access to lawyers. But August 28, 2010 received a notification to the prosecutor in the Bahraini capital of Manama. Muhammad complained that he had been suspended by his wrists for hours and beaten by guards in detention. His lawyer, who was present but was not allowed to represent his client when Muhammad appeared before the prosecutor, has since told Amnesty International that his client had visible marks on the body that appeared to have been caused by torture.
Mohammad Habib al-miqda is a Shiite cleric and human rights activist. He has both Swedish and Bahraini citizenship, which is banned in Bahrain. After his arrest he was held in custody for two months, something that the prosecutor could do with reference to Article 27 of the Bahraini anti-terrorism law. During the court hearings that followed Muhammad denied the allegations made against him. His defense attorney asked that he be released on bail, but the request was rejected. In February 2011, when the pressure from the popular protests grew looked regime had to do something and let a large group of political prisoners, including Muhammad al-miqda. But shortly after he was arrested again.
Muhammad was accused of terrorist crimes and for trying to overthrow the regime. He is also alleged to have tried to kidnap a police officer. He denies all charges. After lengthy court proceedings in the Bahraini military court sentenced him, on his refusal, to 20 years in prison in June this year.
The communication between the Swedish Foreign Ministry and Mohammad Habib al-miqda has been made through his lawyer, who also only allowed to have limited contact with Muhammad. The foreign observers, representatives of two international human rights organizations, who traveled to Bahrain to attend the trial did not enter the court. However, there were observers from local NGOs on the ground.
Amnesty International has repeatedly the past two years drawn attention to Muhammad Habib al-Miqdads and other detained activists situation. We have expressed concern about the vague allegations and stated that there is evidence that there are political motives behind it. Amnesty International has also implemented several so-called flash actions of Mohammad Habib al-miqda and other detained activists, international call in which many people around the world through simultaneous action by sending letters, faxes and emails to the government concerned.
In 2010 and 2011, Amnesty International received reports of growing repression by the regime against opposition activists in Bahrain. At least 500 people have been arrested or detained after being called for reform and participated in demonstrations. While the authorities have significantly restricted freedom of expression, closed-critical Web sites and banned opposition publications.
The popular protests that began in 2010 and has continued in 2011, offers hope. But there is still a very fragile process. The past progress of human rights in Bahrain erased in this now and the authorities must immediately begin to respect citizens' rights and freedoms. The government of Bahrain has, as in Yemen, Syria and Libya, the last year has shown itself ready to beat up and kill peaceful protestors to keep itself in power. Amnesty International reports indicate that people have been arrested without a court order, protesters and political activists have been put in solitary confinement and civilians have had their cases tried in military court.
The authorities have also struck with force against the country's medical staff. At least 47 doctors and nurses, some of which have been detained for weeks, has been on trial in military court. They have been charged with "the crime of" giving care to the anti-government protesters. Several have been sentenced to long sentences in courts-martial, and at least four have died under mysterious circumstances in custody.
Amnesty International therefore urges the authorities in Bahrain to immediately investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment made by both prisoners and local human rights organizations. Amnesty International also urges the Bahraini authorities to ensure that all officials who are found guilty of torture or other abuse of prisoners held accountable for their deeds.
We demand that all those arrested and convicted in Bahrain only for their involvement in peaceful protests immediate release.