News / Persian Gulf

HRW slams Bahrain for suppressing basic rights of people

Thursday, 29 January 2015 2:45 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 29 January 2015 3:26 PM ]

A Bahraini protester runs with a plank used a a shield during clashes with riot police. (AFP photo)

Human Rights Watch has slammed the ruling Al Khalifa family in Bahrain for violating the basic rights of people in the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom.

In its World Report 2015, which was released on the organization’s website on Thursday, HRW criticized the Manama regime for suppressing human rights activists and members of the political opposition.

The report said Bahraini courts have become more active in sustaining repression in the country, adding, “Further evidence emerged [in 2014] of the role that its (Bahrain's) courts play in maintaining the repressive order.”

Bahraini courts have sentenced more than 200 activists to long term prison sentences on ambiguous charges of involvement in terrorist activities and acting against the national security. At least 70 activists have received life imprisonment since the uprising began in Bahrain in 2011.

The report also said the regime had not carried out its promise to follow key recommendations of the 2011 Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry on human rights, adding that Bahraini security forces had used excessive force in their brutal crackdown against the people, with killing of a 14-year old boy the main example.

Joe Stork, who serves as deputy director for HRW's Middle East and North Africa division, said recently that the rising wave of prosecution cases in Bahrain, including the detention of high-profile opposition figures, shows that Manama regime is not interested in carrying out reforms.

On Thursday, HRW website again quoted Stork as saying that he is very pessimistic about Bahraini officials honoring their pledges for initiating reform in the country.

“When you look at the evidence and tot up the abuses, it’s difficult to see how anyone could claim with a straight face that Bahrain is on the path to reform,” said Stork.

The Al Khalifa regime has launched a heavy-handed crackdown on the peaceful anti-government movement in Bahrain, which started in 2011. The West and Manama’s regional allies have been supportive of and some have even participated in the crackdown.

Bahrain has seen an escalation of protests over the past months after the regime in December arrested Sheikh Ali Salman, a senior cleric and the leader of the main opposition party al-Wafaq.

MS/HMV/SS

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Bahrain