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Sham of a democracy that bans cultural freedom Central to the functioning of a democratic society is the right to communicate one’s views freely and without fear of intimidation. This is a universally accepted concept. Once this right is abused, the whole integrity of the “democratic” system is undermined. Despite heavy criticism by a wide range of associations and dignitaries, the Government of Bahrain (or more accurately the ruling Al Khalifa family) has intentionally attempted to ban a locally written play that aimed to explore the shortfalls of the reforms programme. The attempts took an escalating nature aimed at provoking the organisers in an approach reminiscent of the practices under the notorious State Security Law, thus emphasising the view that the so-called change or reform has only been superficial, keeping the mentalities and practices unchanged. The Government, represented by the Ministry of Information and the Municipal Council, used repressive measures and intimidating threats to the Bahrain society of Engineers, where the play was to be held. The organisers were told the Bahrain Society of Engineers Hall was not available for them because of the threats. The escalation grew as the organisers decided to hold the event in the open air, when the Government again interfered on the ground that the organisers are holding an unpermitted event. The series of attempts by the Government gave the play an unprecedented popularity. Interested of boycotting, the viewers turned in their thousands for the first and only night of the show. Observers rated the play as highly successful despite the hectic arrangement of the stage and audience area in one of the villages. The development of the event is a clear indication that the ruling family does not tolerate freedom of expression. The banning attempt was politically motivated as the play directed criticism to critical issues, policies and matters of public interests. The Government restriction on the flow of information as expressed by various political groups is at odds with the officially proclaimed constitutional monarchy and freedom of expression. Even if we presume that the event was not officially permitted, the banning attempt shows that the ruling family is selective in enforcing laws. While many cultural and political functions proceeded under similar conditions, opposition groups feel very much unjustly treated when the law suddenly becomes applicable only on them. Bahrain Freedom Movement

30 November 2003

The Gulf Cultural Club45 Chalton Street, London NW1 1HY, Tel: 020 7383 2058, Fax: 020 7387 6369Muslim Affairs in the UK and IslamophobiaBy Lord Bhatia *6.30 pm, Thursday 27th November 2003Refreshments available from 6.00 pm, dinner 8.00 pm

Lord Bhatia OBE works in the City of London in financial services and is actively involved in a wide range of voluntary and charitable work . He has been a trustee of Oxfam , the Community Development Foundation, WaterAid and a Board member of National Lottery Charities Board. He is the co-founder and chair of The Ethnic Minority Foundation (EMF), the Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO) which promote and support voluntary effort in ethnic minority communities across the UK. He has also been involved in health, education, training and employment sectors in London as a trustee of St. Christopher Hospice, Project Fullemploy, and The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. He is the chairman of The Forbes Trust, SITPRO (Simpler Trade Procedures Board), the Local Investment Fund, the British Muslim Research Centre (BMRC) and the College of Health (2003). Recipient of “Personality of the Year” Award from the UK Charity Award 2001 and Beacon Award 2003 for “Leadership”.

Repressing Freedom of ExpressionOn the 6th November 2003, the political societies received a letter from the Directorate of Publication and Press (Bahrain Ministry of Information) demanding that their periodical publications should be of news in nature and banning any publication of views or addressing public issues. This is violation of freedom of speech and explicit contradiction to the slogans raised by the national charter and constitution. It is an attempt of black-out and media censorship.Recently, there have been many drawbacks in freedom of expression and press in Bahrain. The authorities have started to monitor and censor all press publications including foreign ones. Many books and magazines are confiscated by the Ministry of Information in the last few months.————————————————–Protest Against FlaifelOn Friday 24th October 2003, around 1000 Bahraini people from Sar village (5 miles North of Manama, the capital) demonstrated at the entrance of their village, demanding the torturer Adel Flaifel to leave the Village, where he resides now. The Colonel Adel Falifel is a well known official in the Bahrain Ministry of Interior and known for torturing political prisoners and violating human rights in the past. The demonstrator also demanded nullification of Royal Decree 56-2002, with which torturers can leave with impunity. They also called for prosecuting all torturers in Bahrain.The residents of Sar Village are also preparing a petition that will be submitted to their Municipality representative, asking for expulsion of Falifel from the Village since he is a criminal who can be dangerous for the community.————————————————–Tuesday, November 04, 2003Bahrain: More Confiscation; More Violations of Freedom of PressThe authorities in Bahrain, through Ministry of Information, have confiscated a new book written on Bahrain entitled “Bahrain: Min Al Emarah Ela Almamlakah” (in Arabic) [Bahrain: From an Emirate to a Kingdom]. The book is written by Ahmed Manisi, and published by the Centre for Political & Strategic Studies (Al-Ahram) Egypt – 2003.The book was on shelf for sale for the first few days in a book fair ‘11th Al-Ayam Cultural Festival’ which is running during the month of Ramadhan at the International Exhibition Centre. The book had been confiscated by the Ministry of Information the moment it came to know about it.The book was originally a thesis for a Master degree. It talks about the transition of Bahrain from an emirate state to a Kingdom. It presents the political experience and democratic development in the 90’s, The National Action Charter, Constitutional amendments, and participation & boycott of parliamentary elections. Perhaps the most critical part of the book that the authorities in Bahrain did not like, was the writer’s conclusion that there is an absence of balance between Legislative branch and the Executive branch in which the latter has more power. The writer also stated some weaknesses of the new Constitution such as the lack of supervision and legislative mechanism of the parliament.Al Wasat Newspaper wrote a short note on the confiscation of the book on 4th November 2003 page 24 under the column ‘Lemadha?’ [Why?]. Dr. Mansour Al Jamri, the Chief Editor of Al-Wasat, had also made some positive comments about the book on the previous day in his column (3rd November 2003 – page 12).According to a publisher in the book fair, there are many other books that have been confiscated in the last few days; most of them are related to Shia ideology and believes. I am trying to get the list of these books.It is important to remark that this is the second time in less than a month when published materials are confiscated in Bahrain. About two weeks back, on 19th October 2003, the authorities in Bahrain confiscated Al Mushahid Al Syasi magazine (issue 19-25th October 2003) that is published by BBC – London. The magazine covered the issue of Political Naturalization in Bahrain in six pages 10-15.

These confiscations are clear violations of basic rights including freedom of expression and the access to information & publications. It’s also a censorship on freedom of expression and press in Bahrain. It simply violates both Bahrain Constitution and international conventions.

October 2003: unpopular month for the al-KhalifaDevelopments in Bahrain during the month of October 2003 revealed cracks in the al-Khalifa regime. Amongst others, the month witnessed a function detailing widespread discriminatory practices under al-Khalifa rule and ended with clashes between security forces and youths protesting the holding of a pop show.First, in mid October, a popular gathering organised by the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights put on display a graphic picture of existing discriminatory practices in the country. The human rights advocates documented discrimination against women besides the majority Shiite population. Yet, researchers proved that members of al-Khalifa control the government by occupying critical posts such as foreign, interior and defence portfolios. Participants were shocked to learn that al-Khalifa members serve as heads of all appointed sports associations, such as football, basketball and handball.The facts and statistics caused disarray within the regime. Unable to refute the charges, which were supported by facts and figures, the authorities ordered media sources to shun the contents of the event. Columnists associated with the government were apparently ordered to publish critical views of the function on charges of causing divisions within the nation.Second, for two nights starting October 22nd the youth took to the streets and clashed with anti-riot police. They were protesting against the holding of a live event featuring Lebanese pop show singer Nancy Ajram. Conservative Sunni elements were the first to voice their opposition for her appearance on charges of engaging in illicit sexual practices during her performance, but made no attempt to block the activity. But Shiites of Sanabis, west of Manama, questioned the holding of the event in a community known for its conservative views, hence engaged in a demonstration in front of the venue. But it turned violent when security forces, who were in full gear, pursued the protestors into their neighbourhood. They considered the experience as an offense to their religious teachings, not least because it was taking place only days prior to the start of the fasting month of Ramadan. Some people felt that the best possible place for the function was the convention centre of Gulf Hotel, which anyway was one of the sponsors of the event. The hotel’s area is relatively secure, as it is close to the US naval base.Third, October proved abnormal for leading figures of al-Khalifa family. For one, Sheikh Hamad and his uncle, Sheikh Khalifa, the prime minister made no exchanges of Ramadan greetings. Such greetings are customary, but possibly not within the al-Khalifa family. For another, Sheikh Khalifa had stayed out for much of the month. True, the premier represented Bahrain in the Organisation of Islamic Countries in Malaysia and then made an official visit to Singapore. The Malaysia and Singapore meetings should have lasted one week at most, but Sheikh Khalifa was out of Bahrain for some seventeen days in October. Many had expected that Sheikh Khalifa would return home in time for the start of Ramadan, which is a popular annual religious and social event. Yet, Sheikh Hamad himself left to London on the last day of October on a private trip. Possibly Sheikh Hamad and Sheikh Khalifa were fleeing Ramadan.The events of October 2003 suggest that the al-Khalifa regime is leading the nation towards the unknown. Bahrain’s future has never been bleaker.Bahrain Freedom Movement

4 November 2003