Bahrain: More attacks against Bahrainis as the countdown to Martyrs Day begins

As the Day of the Martyrs approaches, political tension is rising especially in the towns and villages which are commemorating their victims. The Death Squads have arrested scores of activists as a step to contain the growing unrest and induce fear in the hearts of others. Several activities have been planned to commemorate 17th December, the day when the first two martyrs were killed by the Al Khalifa forces in 1994. Two years ago, Ali Jassim, 22, was added to the list of martyrs as he took part in a peaceful protest to commemorate the anniversary. The people have been urged to participate in the national demonstration on Thursday to remember the martyrs, demand the repeal of the notorious Law 56 issued by the ruler to grant impunity to the torturers, and demand a committee for truth and reconciliation. The regime has flatly refused to open the black records of torture inflicted on Bahrainis in the past three decades.

As the atmosphere started to heat up, the foreign-staffed riot police and Death Squads on 12th December attacked the people at Jidhafs market. No demonstrations were present at the time. It was a provocative attack that reflected the tense feelings of the ruling family. At Marwazan, near Jidhafs several police cars made provocative gestures against the Bahrainis. The ruling family has issued serious threats against the citizens, which are in gross violation of the basic principles of human rights. Live ammunition would be used against peaceful protesters, the ministry of the interior said in a recent statement. On 11th December, the mothers and sisters of Bani Jamra detainees gathered at the Budayya torture centre demanding to know the fate of their beloved ones who had been detained in recent days. One of the Al Khalifa judges has ordered their detention for one more month with no legal justification, except the desire for revenge. The families were attacked with tear gas and rubber bullets. Sounds of firing were heard in Bani Jamra itself.
The town had also been target by the riot police and Death Squads for holding a commemorative meeting on the third anniversary of the demise of Sheikh Abdul Amir Al Jamri, the leader of the popular uprising. They used intimidating tactics to induce fear in those who ventured to attend the meeting. Similar scenes were witnessed near the Duraz Roundabout and Abu Saibe last Thursday. The youth were seen on the outskirts of the town, expressing their views, clinching their fists and burning tyres on the road. They demanded the immediate release of the political prisoners who have been subjected to horrific ordeals of torture. The town became the scene of intermittent confrontations between the heavily-armed troops and the stone-throwing youths. The town was later searched thoroughly and several Bahrainis were kidnapped by the aggressors.
In Sitra, a young girl was severely injured when riot police and Death Squads used rubber bullets against demonstrators near heavily populated areas. The child was taken to hospital where she was treated.
Meanwhile, the Bahraini exiles in UK will take part in the annual seminar at the House of Lords, to be held on Wednesday 16th December. Human rights violations will be highlighted by several speakers including activists from human rights bodies inside and outside Bahrain. Lord Avebury will chair the meeting which will be held at Committee Room 4A at 11.00 am. Admission may be granted by Lord Avebury who may be contacted by email: ericavebury@gmail.com.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
14th December 2009