Bahrain Freedom Movement

The Bahraini authorities resist, with arrogance, the release Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years) and Husain Abdul aziz Al Hebshi (a private company-32 years) despite appeals by local and international human rights organizations. The international institutions continued communications with the Bahraini Authorities regarding their release amidst fear of deterioration of the situation in the country and provision of the conditions for a state of public insecurity and the loss of stability.

The launched international and local pressure has its impact on the release of six young people, from the area of Tubli, arbitrarily arrested last Friday night after participation in the protest for the continued imprisonment of Al-Sahlwi and Al-Heshi. The Bahraini Authorities, (Civil agents forces, and special forces, investigations) alternatively gave these citizens dozes of torture and beatings in different parts of their bodies, First, in the sit-in place, Second, in a site nearby, and the third was in prison. These young men; Mohamed Abdullah (24 years), Mohamed Ahmed Al-Ammar (19 years), Mohamed Ali Al-Ammar (17 years), Sayed Ibrahim Sayed Hussein (19 years)-residents of Tubli area, and Abdallah Ali Abdallah Ne’amah (20 years)-residence of Sadad, in addition, Mohsen al-Meqdad (40 years), member of the National Committee of the Martyrs and victims of Torture- resident of Jedali. They were subjected to surprise attack by a large number of security masked- faced forces, and were beaten collectively-rotating one after the another – in public- at the place of the sit in.   Then, they were taken to a site nearby, and handed over to the heavily armed Special Forces, who, in turn, beaten with sticks and heave boots, before being transferred to the detention center, to receive another doze of beatings. On the following day, they were taken to the Public Prosecution, who ordered for their custody for week, pending investigation, and   the released of the eldest, Mohsen al-Meqdad, who is still under medical treatment of the effects of ill-treatment and beatings.

On the other hand, the Bahraini Authorities also released the three activists of the Unemployed and Underpaid Committee: Abdulameer Madan (from Sitra), Hassan Abdelnabi (from Maameer) and Ahmad Jaafar (from Daih) on their way from Saudi Arabia back to Bahrain crossing King Fahd Causeway. They were subjected to contempt, humiliation and provocation before and after being stripped of their clothes, and exposed to individual deep search, interrogation, while waiting for five hours. They were kept in custody at an unknown location for more than two days before being released. Their mobiles (cell phones) were retained, for some time to cut them from any contact to defenders and human rights organizations and prevent access identification of the truth and details of abuse.

With regard to the prisoners of expression and publications, Al-Sahlwi and Al- Hebshi, the Authorities are still procrastinating in the timing of the appeal session, put forward by their attorney the first week of the receipt of the verdict issued on last January 31 ^st. On the other hand, the popular protest activities, continued, the latest of which in Bani Jamrah-west of the capital Manama. Yesterday  evening, the villege was besieged and was subjected to rainfall of tear gas and rubber bullets, till late in night, amidst unconfirmed news of injuries and arrest. The protesters and citizens, were beaten by the faced-masked security forces, who penetrate into protest site in buses and private cars. It was reported that among those arrested is from the village of Karranah- four kilometers west of Manama- by the name of “Jafar”.

It should be noted that on last January 30^th, Human Rights Watch called for the immediate release of Al-Sahlawi and Al-Hebshi, considering “The imprisonment of two Bahrainis for trying to express nonviolent political opinions violates freedoms guaranteed under Bahrain’s international obligations and the kingdom’s own constitution. Bahrain’s persecution of free expression makes a mockery of its membership in the UN Human Rights Council”. Also, 49 human rights organizations plead for the released of the two prisoners and considered “what Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi  and Mr Husain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi did, is not a crime and is not a violation to the provisions of the law or the acceded charters.

The Committee of activists appeals the international organizations and UN committees on Arbitrary Detention and Torture to intervene to protect the activists and citizens of the humiliating punishment and inhumane treatment, which they are exposed to when peaceful expressing themselves, defending or demand their legitimate rights endorsed by the charters, the Bahraini authorities pledged to respect. The Committee also direct a special appeal to the Human Rights Council, special rapporteurs of expression and the protection activists and rights defenders to send envoys to Bahrain to come close to the human rights deteriorating situation. Also, to demand that Bahrain Authorities fulfill its pledges vowed when ratifying these charters and treaties on human rights, as well as prior to the nomination for membership of the UN Human Rights Council.