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Bahrain's King Vows Human Rights Reforms as Independent Report Exonerates Iran
24-Nov-2011
The king of Bahrain has promised reforms to prevent abuses by security forces, after an independent report about a crackdown on protests said authorities had used "excessive force". More than 40 people died in the unrest, which some officials blamed on Iran.
BBC: Bahrain's King Hamad promises human rights reforms - 24/11/2011
Rupert Wingfield-Hayes BBC News, Bahrain: «The report by the Bahrain International Commission of Investigation was much more critical than many in Bahrain had believed possible. Before it was published, many inthe Shia community had dismissed it as a sham, accusing its authors of being bought off by the regime. Now those voices have been silenced by the evidence laid out by Professor Cherif Bassiouni and his team.
style="margin-bottom: 12pt; line-height: 16pt">The list of accusations is long. The Bahraini government has been found guilty of illegal arrests, forced confessions, unfair trials, and most importantly the systematic use of torture by the police and internal security agencies. It will all make very uncomfortable reading for the King and his government. But it also represents an opportunity for the King. Professor Bassiouni told me he hopes the King will be able to use the report as a tool to push forward with reformand to isolate, and ultimately remove, hard-liners inside the Sunni royal government.»
BBC: Will king's vow bring change in Bahrain? 23/11/2011
What is the BICI (Bahrain International Commission of Investigation) ? (Al Jazeera):
In June, following months of protests, Bahrain's King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, appointed a commission to find out whether his security forces committed crimes or violated humanrights.
Reporting from Manama, Al Jazeera's Mohammed Vall looks at the six internationally renowned foreign legal experts who comprise the BahrainIndependent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).
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AMERICA’s UNCERTAIN ALLY
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Hillary Clinton on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia:
US Secretary of State speaks about Bahrain and the need for reform during her Keynote Address at the National Democratic Institute's 2011 Democracy Awards Dinner.
Bahrain Monarchy From British Empire to US Fifth Fleet (The Real News):
Bahrain's Kings dependent on British, American and now Saudi protection
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IRANIAN CLAIM
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Iran's parliament passed a bill in November 1957 declaring Bahrain to be the 14th province of Iran, with two empty seats allocated for its representatives.(More Here)
Shah of Iran responds to Mike Wallace on the «Persian Gulf» Vs «Arabian Gulf»:
PAN IRANIST: Pezeshkpour objects to Shah's decision on Bahrain Independence (1971)
1971 an Iranian MP Mohsen Pezeshkpour of the Pan-Iranist party,passionately objects to Shah's decision to give away oil-rich Bahrain inreturn for 3 Persian Gulf islands. Ardeshir Zahedi then Minister of Foreign Affairs looks on in Silence:
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Bahrain's King Hamad promises human rights reforms (bbc)
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The king of Bahrain has promised reforms to prevent abuses by security forces, after an independent report about a crackdown on protests said authorities had used "excessive force".
King Hamad expressed "dismay" at the findings and vowed to ensure "those painful events won't be repeated".
The much-awaited report into the events in February and March said a number of detained protesters had been tortured.
More than 40 people died in the unrest, which some officials blamed on Iran.
Bahrain has a majority Shia Muslim population and the violence has fuelled anger against the ruling Sunni royal family and political elite.
More than 1,600 people have been arrested during the protests, which have continued sporadically since the peak of the unrest eight months ago.
'No Iran link'
The summary of the 500-page report was presented by the Bahrain Independent Commission at King Hamad's palace in Manama on Wednesday.
The head of the commission, Professor Cherif Bassiouni, said investigations had found officials "used excessive force". Many detainees were subjected to "physical and psychological torture", he said.
Inmates, headded, had been blindfolded, whipped, kicked, given electric shocks and threatened with rape to extract confessions.
Prof Cherif said the evidence seen by the commission "did not prove a clear link between the events in Bahrain and Iran".
He also stressed that it was a "unique and historic" event - the first time a state inthe region had voluntarily and without international pressure investigated unrest in its own country.
Prof Cherif is aformer UN human rights lawyer. The other commission members are all non-Bahrainis.
The inquiry interviewed more than 5,000 people, including hundreds who say they were tortured in prison
'New page'
The king, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah, heard the report sitting on a red and gold throne in front of an audience of nearly 1,000 people.
He stressed thathe never again wanted to see Bahrain paralysed by "intimidation and sabotage", adding: "Nor do we want, ever again, to discover that anyof our law enforcement personnel have mistreated anyone."
He promised to reform Bahrain's laws to protect freedom of speech and other basic rights.
"We do not want ever again to see civilians tried anywhere else but in ordinary courts," he said.
The monarch said the report opened "a new page" in Bahrain's history, promising to sack those officials who had abused their power.
If the king acts to change the way the country is run, then the outcome could be positive, the BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Bahrain reports.
If not, then more violence is likely to lie ahead, our correspondent says.
Related Blogs:
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PAN IRANIST: Pezeshkpour objects to Shah's decision on Bahrain Independence (1971)
VIDEO: Manoto TV's Documentary on the Persepolis Celebrations of Oct 1971
Shah to Nixon on "Revolutions" vs "Evolutions" in Middle East (1969)
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Bahrain rejects Danish request for prisoner transfer
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Apr 08, 2012 06:21 AM PDTBahrain rejects prisoner transfer (bbc)
The top legal body in Bahrain rejects a Danish request to transfer political prisoner Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, said to be close to death on hunger strike.
Danish bid to help Bahrain inmate on hunger strike
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Apr 07, 2012 06:13 PM PDTDanish bid to help Bahrain inmate (bbc)
Bahrain is considering a request from Denmark to transfer political prisoner Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, on hunger strike for almost two months.
State media in the Gulf kingdom said a request had been made by Danish Foreign Minister Villy Soevndal, citing the prisoner's Danish citizenship.
Human rights organisations have called for Mr Khawaja to be freed.
His daughter Zainab has been protesting over her father's worsening condition.
Having been arrested on Thursday at a rally, she was released on Saturday but vowed to continue her campaign for her father's release.
Mr Khawaja has been moved to a hospital clinic and is being fed intravenously after 58 days on hunger strike.
He is protesting against a life sentence he received for his role in anti-government protests by Bahrain's Shia Muslim majority last year.
A special security court convicted him of trying to overthrow Bahrain's royal family, who are Sunni Muslims.Bahrain hunger-striker al-Khawaja moved to hospital
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Apr 07, 2012 05:05 AM PDTBahrain hunger-striker in clinic (bbc)
A leading human rights activist in Bahrain is transferred to hospital from prison after nearly two months on hunger strike.
King of Bahrain 'not keeping promises'
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:50 AM PDTKing of Bahrain 'not keeping promises'Watch BBC HARDTALK
After months of violence which killed dozens of protesters during last year's Arab Spring, Bahrain's King Hamad commissioned an independent inquiry into events and promised to implement sweeping reforms.
But Nabeel Rajab, one of Bahrain's most outspoken human rights activists, tells Stephen Sackur that the inquiry was not independent and the King has failed to implement reforms.
You can watch the full interview on BBC World News on Thursday 29 March at 1530 and 2030 GMT and on the BBC News Channel on Friday 30 March at 00.30 and 04:30 BST.
Clashes mark Bahrain anniversary
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Feb 14, 2012 07:52 AM PSTPolice seal off large parts of Bahrain's capital, Manama, as clashes erupt in outlying villages on the anniversary of pro-democracy protests.
Bahrain Sunni-Shia split manifests itself in mistrust
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Feb 12, 2012 10:04 AM PSTAnti-government protests in Bahrain were suppressed last year with the help of Saudi Arabia, but the tensions between the Sunni leadership and the Shia majority population are never far below the surface. The BBC's Bill Law has been to a mosque in the Bahraini capital Manama to get behind the continuing sectarian split.
Waving Bahraini and Saudi flags, a crowd estimated at 3,000 gathered at the central Sunni mosque in Manama.
The rally heard fiery speeches in defence of King Hamad and his government.
Many of those present told the BBC that Iran was behind the ongoing disturbances in the Gulf island kingdom.
Bahrain has a majority Shia Muslim population, but the ruling al-Khalifa family is Sunni. The Shia have long complained of discrimination at the hands of the Khalifa rulers.Bahrain releases jailed activists
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:52 AM PSTBahrain releases jailed activists (bbc)
The authorities in Bahrain have freed two imprisoned human rights activists.
They were imprisoned last year for supporting the pro-democracy movement in the tiny Gulf island kingdom.
Fadheela al-Mubarak was freed on Monday, nearly a year after she was arrested for listening to what was called "revolutionary music" in a car.
The other activist was Naser al-Raas, a Kuwait-born Canadian citizen who was serving a five-year term for breaking Bahrain's illegal-assembly laws.
The releases come as the government continues to struggle to quell the pro-democracy protests which erupted on 14 February 2011, despite a crackdown by security forces that human rights groups say has left at least 60 civilians dead. Four police officers have also been killed.
Hundreds more people in Bahrain have been injured and thousands were summarily dismissed from their jobs.
Prominent politicians, religious leaders and human rights advocates have received sentences from military courts ranging from five years to life, on charges which international observers say are without any merit.
Most of the imprisoned, dead and injured are from the majority Shia Muslim community, which has long complained of discrimination at the hands of the Sunni royal family, the Al Khalifa.Opposition: Four killed in Bahrain protests
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jan 27, 2012 06:31 AM PSTOpposition: Four killed in Bahrain protests (cnn)
Bahrain police on Friday denied opposition claims that security forces were responsible for the death of an anti-government protester, saying the man died from natural causes.
The death of 19-year-old Mohammed Ibrahim Yacoub was one of four reported Thursday by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, an opposition activist group.
The opposition group al Wefaq accused Bahraini authorities of running over Yacoub with a police car, an allegation the Ministry of Health denied, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
As part of its denial, the Health Ministry released a video purportedly taken at the time of the arrest that it alleges shows Yacoub unharmed. It also released a medical report that indicated Yacoub died from "sickle cell complications" and that his body was "free of injuries."
Bahraini police said Yacoub was arrested Wednesday for participating in "acts of violence and vandalism," BNA reported. Police also said he died of natural causes, the news agency said.
Bahrain Shia cleric warns troops
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jan 20, 2012 02:23 PM PSTBahrain Shia cleric warns troops (bbc)
The leading Shia Muslim cleric in Bahrain tells his followers in a sermon to retaliate if women are attacked. In a sermon delivered at Friday prayers Sheikh Isa Qassim said: "Whoever you see abusing a woman, crush him."
The outburst has added to growing tension in the Gulf island state.
Shia protesters have faced the brunt of the security crackdown un the past year, as the Sunni monarchy attempts to cope with their demands for reform.
Activists have highlighted and circulated amateur videos showing women being beaten and arrested by male security officers since protests erupted in the capital Manama in February.
In a passionate and angry sermon, a video of which has been seen by the BBC, Sheikh Qassim said on Friday: "Let us die for our honour."
"How do they who do this to people expect the people to remain silent and not defend their rights and honour?" he asked.
Sheikh Qassim had previously been seen as a moderate, counselling peaceful protest and urging people to avoid violence.
But correspondents say his sermon reflects the growing anger in the Shia community at what protesters see as the government's failure to curb its security forces and commit to meaningful reform.Bahrain pushes reform agenda amid ongoing unrest
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jan 19, 2012 09:05 AM PSTMoving on? (bbc)
The government of Bahrain has had a busy few weeks, pushing ahead with a reform agenda against a backdrop of continuing unrest.
In recent days, King Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa has announced constitutional reforms that are intended to lead to greater accountability, ordered the rebuilding of mosques knocked down by the government, and appointed two distinguished British lawyers to overhaul Bahrain's judicial system.
And the government has said it is reinstating people who lost their jobs because they had supported the protests.
All of these steps are intended to reassure Bahrain's Western allies - and its own people - that the country is committed to carrying out the recommendations of a group of international human rights experts.
Bahrainis protest at UN offices
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Jan 12, 2012 02:25 AM PSTBahrainis protest at UN offices (bbc)
Several thousand people have held a protest outside the United Nations' offices in Bahrain's capital, Manama.
The demonstrators chanted "Down, Down, Khalifa" - a reference to long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman al-Khalifa, activists said.
They also carried banners urging the UN to "intervene to protect civilians".
Witnesses said that police allowed the peaceful demonstration to proceed without interference, while a police helicopter hovered overhead.
One activist told the BBC: "Today the police were good. They didn't close off roads, they didn't attack us as they usually do with tear gas and stun grenades."
Observers say the police might have behaved with restraint because of a rare public rebuke by the United States last week over police tactics and the beating of a well-known human rights activist, Nabeel Rajab.
The US state department said the facts of the case were in dispute, but that it was very concerned "about frequent reports of excessive force".
Bahrain tries police over death of blogger
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Jan 11, 2012 09:41 AM PSTBahrain tries police over death (bbc)
The trial begins in Bahrain of five police officers implicated in the death in custody of a blogger during last year's anti-government unrest.
Bahrain: Protest policeman jailed
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Jan 09, 2012 09:48 AM PSTBahrain: Protest policeman jailed (bbc)
A military court in Bahrain has sentenced a policeman to more than 12 years in jail for joining protests against the royal family last year.
Ali al-Ghanami, a 25-year-old junior police officer, had left his guard post and joined protesters on 17 February 2011 after security forces had cleared a major traffic circle in the capital Manama.
On that day police action against peaceful demonstrators at Pearl Roundabout left two protesters dead and more than a hundred injured.
US concern over Bahrain activist
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Jan 07, 2012 01:54 PM PSTUS concern over Bahrain activist (bbc)
The US State Department says it has expressed concern to the Bahraini government over the apparent beating of prominent rights activist Nabeel Rajab.
Opposition activists say security officers beat him on the back, head and neck at a rally on Friday.
Bahrain's interior ministry denies the attack but the US is calling on it to fully investigate the allegations.
The US Fifth Fleet is stationed in Bahrain and the two countries have close ties.
The interior ministry has said police found Mr Rajab on the ground and took him to hospital.
It has released a video of the events, showing what it says was an unauthorised demonstration in the capital, Manama.
Countess of Wessex's Bahrain jewel gift criticised
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Jan 07, 2012 03:22 AM PSTSophie's Bahrain gift criticised (bbc)
The Countess of Wessex's acceptance of jewels from Bahrain's royal family has been criticised amid reports of human rights abuses under the regime.
Ex-Foreign Office minister Denis MacShane says the gift should be sold to benefit victims of the civil unrest.
His comments came as Buckingham Palace gave details of the gifts received by the Royal Family over the past year.
Items given in an official capacity do not belong to the recipient and usually become part of the Royal Collection.
Sophie's husband Prince Edward received a pen and watch and a silk rug during the day-long visit.
It is understood that the trip in December was taken with the agreement of the Foreign Office.Bahrain police 'beat up activist'
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Jan 06, 2012 05:41 PM PSTBahrain police 'beat up activist' (bbc)
Prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab has been taken to hospital after being beaten by police in Bahrain, his lawyer and opposition activists say.
Bahrain police free woman blogger
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:40 AM PSTBahrain police free woman blogger (bbc)
Bahrain police have released Zainab al-Khawaja, a blogger and human rights activist, after five days in custody.
Ms Khawaja, the daughter of a jailed opposition leader, was arrested on Thursday during an anti-government demonstration.
Images of her arrest, in which she was dragged to a police vehicle after refusing to leave a sit-in, had received widespread coverage.
She was released on Tuesday night pending trial.
Blast near UK embassy in Bahrain
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Dec 04, 2011 05:10 AM PSTBlast near UK embassy in Bahrain (bbc)
A small explosion near the British embassy in Bahrain was caused by a bomb, according to the Bahrain Interior Ministry.
Bahrain hires US ex-police chief to help with reforms
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Dec 03, 2011 02:33 AM PSTBahrain hires US ex-police chief (bbc)
Bahrain is recruiting a former police chief from the American city of Miami to help reform law enforcement, says the country's interior ministry.
The move follows a highly critical report which found that the police in the Gulf state had used excessive force against anti-government protesters.
More than 40 people were killed during the demonstrations in February and March this year.
Officials say John Timoney will head a team of US and British advisers.
King Hamad of Bahrain has promised to prevent further abuses by the security forces, following an independent inquiry on the violence which published its findings last month.
The inquiry interviewed more than 5,000 people and documented illegal arrests, forced confessions, unfair trials and the systematic torture of detainees.
The king expressed "dismay" at the findings and said the report opened a "new page" in Bahrain's history.
Clashes follow funeral in Bahrain
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Nov 25, 2011 04:57 PM PSTClashes follow funeral in Bahrain (bbc)
Despite promises of reform from Bahrain's king, violence is continuing, with the latest flashpoint a funeral in a Shia-majority town.
...
by Red Wine on Fri Nov 25, 2011 06:42 AM PSTسلام جنابِ پرویز خان.
شیعه و سنی هر دو ایراداتی دارند،در امورِ سیاسی اسلام بسیار پر ضعف است،اما با اینحال سنیها افراط گریِ شیعه را ندارند،ایشان مسلمانانِ واقعیِ سنتِ پیامبرِ اسلام هستند و باور نمیرود که تحریفی در اعمالشان صورت گرفته باشد.این تجربه ۱۴ سالِ ما از سفر به تمامی این ممالکِ اسلامی است.
آخرِ هفته نیکویی داشته باشید.
دوست عزیز شراب
PArvizFri Nov 25, 2011 02:24 AM PST
دوست عزیز شراب سرخ
مطمئناً میدانید که تمام این چیزهایی که گفتید در یک رژیم شیعه هم کاملا امکان پذیر که هیچ بلکه واجب هستند. یک نگاه کوتاه به ایران کافیست که نشان دهد شیعه هیچ از سنّی کم ندارد.
بله، سعودیها امکان ندارد اجازه دهند بحرین به زیر سلطه ایران برود.
Down with the ENTIRE Islamic Republic!
...
by Red Wine on Thu Nov 24, 2011 05:33 PM PSTداریوش جانِ عزیز:
ملک حماد هیچ گونه تغییرِ اساسی نمیتواند انجام دهد چون مردمِ بحرین خواهان به رسمیت شناختنِ شریعه الشیعه هستند و نه الطریق السنه !
بحرین ارزشِ زیادی برایِ شاهزادگانِ درجه ۲ خلیجِ پارس دارد،برایِ اینکه شرط بندی و قمار در منامه برایِ ایشان آزاد است،بهترین نسوان با قیمتهایِ خوب به فروش میروند و خدا میداند چه کثافت کاریهایِ دیگر ! سعودیها امکان ندارد که اجازه دهند بحرین به زیرِ سلطه شیعه رود .
موفق باشی دوستِ گرامی .