Bahrain Freedom Movement

Bahrain defends contacts with US Jewish body

By Habib Toumi, Correspondent – 06/04/2007

Gulfnews-Manama: Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa has defended Bahrain’s contacts with influential American Jews, saying that they were part of a drive to bring genuine peace to the Middle East.
The “Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2006”

05/04/2007

The “Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2006” report is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 665 of P.L. 107-228, the FY 03 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which requires the Department to report on actions taken by the U.S. Government to encourage respect for human rights. This fifth annual submission complements the longstanding Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2006, and takes the next step, moving from highlighting abuses to publicizing the actions and programs the United States has employed to end those abuses. Released April 5, 2007
US Navy denies sailor involved in shooting of Bahraini

By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief – 02/04/2007

Manama: The US Navy yesterday sharply denied claims that one of its sailors was involved in a shooting incident that left one Bahraini clinically dead.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 29/03/2007

Detainees of the village of Karbabad, Sayed Ali Sayed Akbar (20 years), Jafar Sadiq Kadhem (21 years), Mahmood Ali Mahdi (22yrs) were summoned to Court this morning on charges of crowd and riot, and was postponed for one week (April 5, 2007) with extension of their custody since lat February 22nd.

GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS DISSENT

28/03/2007

BAHRAIN The vice-president and president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), an interim IFEX member, have become the latest victims of a government campaign to suppress dissent.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 26/03/2007

Prosecution of minors and others participants in protest activities Early yesterday evening, the Bahraini special security forces besieged Sananbis village (2km west of the capital Manama) upon news of a protest march from the village center. At sunset, the heavily armed security forces flowed in large numbers into the open areas in the vicinity of the village, blocked main entrance, and started heavy firing of tear-gas canisters and rubber bullets from a distance to the participants in the march, which started at around 9pm near the cemetery, located in the center of Sanabis.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 16/03/2007

Bahraini Special Security Forces attacked, this afternoon, a peaceful sit-in attended by dozens of residents and families from Karbabad, in a protest of the continued imprisonment of their sons arrested more than three weeks, after some protesters blocked an outlet street on 22 of last February.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 13/03/2007

Human rights defender Nabeel Rajab-Deputy Bahrain Center for Human Rights-recently received a letter from the Bahraini Public Prosecutor asking him to appear for investigation next Wednesday March 14, 2007 in the Criminal Investigation Directorate- CID (Mokhabarat-Intelligence) located in Adliyah south of the capital Manama. Summoning of Rajab, apparently came in the background of the intense international activities in the United States and Europe on what locally dubbed as “Albandargate”. These were attended by Rajab as well as other personalities and institutions, known locally and internationally, including Dr. Salah Albandar-secretary general of the Gulf Center for the Development of Democracy-the source of the said reports.
Jail ‘ordeal’ of freed duo

28/02/2007

You cannot say anything, whatever you said you were put in an isolated cell.” Mr Al Sahlawi also criticised the holding cells at the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID), Adliya, where the men were kept while their case was still in court. He said they were forced to share a tiny cell with up to eight men and were only allowed out for two hours a day, from 7am to 9am. “In Adliya, the cell was small and dirty and we were among the drug addicts, killers and thieves,” he said

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 26/02/2007

Despite his denial of the charges against him, the prosecution ordered custody for 15 days for Ali Jaffar Ali (17 years old), after security forces raided his father’s house, located in the Sanabis for several times, without his presence. The Public Prosecutor sent a formal order for his presence, which his family complied with, yesterday. The public prosecutor accused him, as for others, of being part of crowd and assembly as stated in article 178 of the universally condemned Penal Code of 1976.

Clashes Erupt Again in Bahrain

The Middle East’s Leading English Language Daily – 24/02/2007

Saturday, 24, February, 2007 (06, Safar, 1428) Mazen Mahdi, Arab News — SITRA, Bahrain, 24 February 2007 — Several Shiite villages in Bahrain witnessed heavy clashes between protesters and anti-riot police on Thursday night, which led to the arrest of at least 10 people. The villagers were protesting the detention of a resident accused of subversive activities to destabilize the state.
Pro-govt press claims Shiite training camp in Bani Jamra

AP – 24/02/2007

Published Date: February 24, 2007 MANAMA: About 100 residents of a Muslim Shiite village staged a peaceful protest yesterday to repudiate an article in the pro-government press that they had been hosting a Shiite militant training camp.

Bahrain Freedom Movement – 23/02/2007

Updated Detainees list At exactly `o’clock this afternoon, dozens of Bani Jamrah residence made a sit-in protesting at what was published last Monday-February 20, 2007-of the Bahraini Ministry Interior spokesman disclosing alleged a training youth camp aimed to destabilize the security,

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 16/02/2007

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.

One again in Bahrain: Detainees of conscience since16 November 2006

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 11/02/2007

Bahrain: Jails Crammed by Detainees of Conscience and Activists Activists Committee calls the Authorities to respects its vows and release prisoners

Muharram has got Indianised over the years

29 January 2007 – 07/02/2007

Quite spiritedly, fervently and emotionally like the Ramlila, Muharram in India observes the victory of virtue over evil. It commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the younger grandson of Prophet Mohammed. In India, it is revered by all communities, especially the Hindus in Varanasi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Amroha, Indore, Nagpur, Jaipur, Phagwara in Punjab, Bhopal and Kanpur.

Mickey Mouse heads for Bahrain

07/02/2007

By Kate Thomas Published: 07 February 2007 A Saudi billionaire is said to be in talks with investors to bring Disneyland to the Middle East.

URGENT ALERT: BCHR President Abdulhadi Alkhawaja arrested

URGENT ALERT – 02/02/2007

The president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, was arrested by Bahraini authorities this morning at 6am. The reason for the detention is not yet known.

Three prominent human rights activists were arrested

Published: February 2, 2007/The Associated Press – 02/02/2007

MANAMA, Bahrain: Three prominent human rights activists were arrested in separate police raids early Friday in the Bahrain capital, local rights groups said.

Mushaima and Al-khawaja Apprehension

Bahrain urgent statement – 02/02/2007

Early this morning local time, Mr Hasan Mushaima – Secretary General of HAQ movement- and Mr Abdulhadi Al-khawaja- Chairman Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), were apprehended from their homes and transferred to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 31/01/2007

After waiting more than half an hour on the date of the trial, and without the presence of the defense, the lower court judge concerned with the publication detainees walked quickly to the hall of the court with a piece of paper in his hand.

Bahrain: Activists Face Prison for Political Leaflets

Human Rights Watch – 30/01/2007

For Immediate Release Police Attack Peaceful Demonstrators Supporting Detainees (New York, January 30, 2007) – Two nonviolent political activists in Bahrain face up to seven years in prison for possession of leaflets calling for peaceful political change, Human Rights Watch said today. A court in the capital Manama is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the case tomorrow.

Israeli Knesset passes law to revoke citizenship of ‘unpatriotic’ Israelis

29/01/2007

Wednesday January 10, 2007 23:12 by Saed Bannoura – IMEMC & Agencies – 1 of IMEMC Editorial Group saed@imemc.org

Release Publication Detainees “Mohamed and Husain”

29/01/2007

His Majesty, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The Royal Court- Riffa- Kingdom of Bahrain Fax: +973-17664587 APPEAL to Release Publication Detainees “Mohamed and Husain”

HRinfo and RSF Send Separate Open Letters to Bahraini Minister

Network for Human Rights Information – 25/01/2007

Cairo – 25 January 2007 The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (HRinfo) sent an open letter on 16 January 2007 to the Bahraini Minister of Information, Mohammed Ben Abdul Ghaffar Abdullah, urging him to take all the necessary measures to unblock HRinfo’s website (www.hrinfo.net) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

IFEX – News from the international freedom of expression community

Bahrain Center for Human Rights – 25/01/2007

Two men detained, face up to seven years’ imprisonment for disseminating “subversive literature”

Bahrain : Security forces Attacked sit-in for detainees of conscience

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 19/01/2007

A young man reported having head injury Aftermath a peaceful sit-in called upon by the families of prisoners of opinion, “Mohammed Hussein” in collaboration with the people detained “Kumail Abdelhasan” from the village of Maameer, the heavily armed Special Security Forces attacked and dispersed the protesters by force.

Bahrain : freedom of expression under trial

07/01/2007

Possession of leaflets calling for boycotting elections, “Mohammed & Hussain” face upto 7 years imprisonment on charges of favoring and promoting change of regime Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years), Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 years), attended this morning the Lower Court at the Ministry of Justice in the Diplomatic area along with their lawyer Mr Mohamed Ahmed, in the presence of their parents and some activists.

07/01/2007

If there is one arena where international politics is set aside to an unusual degree, it’s sports. Greece and Turkey may not get along, the Soviet Union and the US may have had thousands of nuclear weapons pointed at each other, but these conflicts and others have not prevented athletes from competing against each other in international arenas.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 27/12/2006

Press Release: Around noon time today, t he Bahraini Authorities ordered the transfer of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 yrs), Hussain Abdulaziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 yrs) to the Lower Court on January 7th, 2007 including their custody until then.
Sheikh Abdul-Ameer al-Jamri on foreign press

Foreign Press – 19/12/2006

Dec. 18, 2006, 9:56AM Bahrain’s leading Shiite cleric dies © 2006 The Associated Press An unidentified Bahraini carries a framed portrait of Sheik Abdul-Ameer al-Jamri outside the late cleric’s Bani Jamra, Bahrain, home on Monday, Dec.
Bahrain pro-democracy cleric dies

BBC – 19/12/2006

Abdul Amir al-Jamri led anti-government protests in the 1990s One of the most prominent Shia clerics in Bahrain, Abdul Amir al-Jamri, has died at the age of 69. His family said he had died at his home after a long illness.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 14/12/2006

Bahrain : Custody for Mohamed & Husain Renewed Again..Call for sit- in facing Parliament House at Opening Session In escalating move, t he Bahraini Authorities renewed today the detention of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 yrs), Hussain Abdulaziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 yrs) for extra 15 days starting next Monday.

Open letter from activist – 12/12/2006

10th of December: World Human Rights Day and Bahrain’s Human Violations Day From: Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights & the undersigned organizations

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 05/12/2006

Press Release: The Bahraini Authorities renewed the detention of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years), Hussein Abdul Aziz Al Habashi (a private company-32 years old) for extra 15 days, reflecting a blatant defiance of all calls to calm the situation through release of activists and those of opposite opinion.

Bahrain politics: Adversarial

24/11/2006

November 23rd 2006 Printer version COUNTRY BRIEFING FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Opposition parties are expected to make significant gains in Bahrain’s parliamentary elections on November 25th, after four opposition groups decided to end an election boycott. This could potentially work to the advantage of the government, which has sought for some time to regulate opposition movements and bring them into the parliamentary fold. Yet persistent sectarian tensions in the Shia-majority but Sunni-ruled state, coupled with a recent uproar over a report alleging systematic vote-rigging, suggest the new parliament will be combative.

The Mass Demonstration Protesting Al-Bandar Scandal

24/11/2006

Final Statement At a time when our people are subjected to a chain of deprivation and discrimination, and when public wealth and lands are plundered and wasted as a result of the despotic manner that this regime exercises, and for its assertion to deal with its public far from constitutional legitimacy, and while the regime prevents people from establishing and consolidating a true legislative government that represents the will and ambition of the people, and instead of seeing a ray of hope that would hopefully rescue them, they encounter a horrific wide-spread plan to devastate Bahraini unity at present and future.

Booklet – Bahrain The Kingdom of Silence

24/11/2006

Activist Detained at Criminal Interrogations

23/11/2006

23/11/2006

Bahrain : Well-known Activists protest against containment of freedom of expression and demand unconditional release of imprisoned activists

Page 2

Bahrain defends contacts with US Jewish body

By Habib Toumi, Correspondent – 06/04/2007

Gulfnews-Manama: Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa has defended Bahrain’s contacts with influential American Jews, saying that they were part of a drive to bring genuine peace to the Middle East.
The “Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2006”

05/04/2007

The “Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2006” report is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 665 of P.L. 107-228, the FY 03 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which requires the Department to report on actions taken by the U.S. Government to encourage respect for human rights. This fifth annual submission complements the longstanding Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2006, and takes the next step, moving from highlighting abuses to publicizing the actions and programs the United States has employed to end those abuses. Released April 5, 2007
US Navy denies sailor involved in shooting of Bahraini

By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief – 02/04/2007

Manama: The US Navy yesterday sharply denied claims that one of its sailors was involved in a shooting incident that left one Bahraini clinically dead.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 29/03/2007

Detainees of the village of Karbabad, Sayed Ali Sayed Akbar (20 years), Jafar Sadiq Kadhem (21 years), Mahmood Ali Mahdi (22yrs) were summoned to Court this morning on charges of crowd and riot, and was postponed for one week (April 5, 2007) with extension of their custody since lat February 22nd.

GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS DISSENT

28/03/2007

BAHRAIN The vice-president and president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), an interim IFEX member, have become the latest victims of a government campaign to suppress dissent.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 26/03/2007

Prosecution of minors and others participants in protest activities Early yesterday evening, the Bahraini special security forces besieged Sananbis village (2km west of the capital Manama) upon news of a protest march from the village center. At sunset, the heavily armed security forces flowed in large numbers into the open areas in the vicinity of the village, blocked main entrance, and started heavy firing of tear-gas canisters and rubber bullets from a distance to the participants in the march, which started at around 9pm near the cemetery, located in the center of Sanabis.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 16/03/2007

Bahraini Special Security Forces attacked, this afternoon, a peaceful sit-in attended by dozens of residents and families from Karbabad, in a protest of the continued imprisonment of their sons arrested more than three weeks, after some protesters blocked an outlet street on 22 of last February.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 13/03/2007

Human rights defender Nabeel Rajab-Deputy Bahrain Center for Human Rights-recently received a letter from the Bahraini Public Prosecutor asking him to appear for investigation next Wednesday March 14, 2007 in the Criminal Investigation Directorate- CID (Mokhabarat-Intelligence) located in Adliyah south of the capital Manama. Summoning of Rajab, apparently came in the background of the intense international activities in the United States and Europe on what locally dubbed as “Albandargate”. These were attended by Rajab as well as other personalities and institutions, known locally and internationally, including Dr. Salah Albandar-secretary general of the Gulf Center for the Development of Democracy-the source of the said reports.
Jail ‘ordeal’ of freed duo

28/02/2007

You cannot say anything, whatever you said you were put in an isolated cell.” Mr Al Sahlawi also criticised the holding cells at the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID), Adliya, where the men were kept while their case was still in court. He said they were forced to share a tiny cell with up to eight men and were only allowed out for two hours a day, from 7am to 9am. “In Adliya, the cell was small and dirty and we were among the drug addicts, killers and thieves,” he said

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 26/02/2007

Despite his denial of the charges against him, the prosecution ordered custody for 15 days for Ali Jaffar Ali (17 years old), after security forces raided his father’s house, located in the Sanabis for several times, without his presence. The Public Prosecutor sent a formal order for his presence, which his family complied with, yesterday. The public prosecutor accused him, as for others, of being part of crowd and assembly as stated in article 178 of the universally condemned Penal Code of 1976.

Clashes Erupt Again in Bahrain

The Middle East’s Leading English Language Daily – 24/02/2007

Saturday, 24, February, 2007 (06, Safar, 1428) Mazen Mahdi, Arab News — SITRA, Bahrain, 24 February 2007 — Several Shiite villages in Bahrain witnessed heavy clashes between protesters and anti-riot police on Thursday night, which led to the arrest of at least 10 people. The villagers were protesting the detention of a resident accused of subversive activities to destabilize the state.
Pro-govt press claims Shiite training camp in Bani Jamra

AP – 24/02/2007

Published Date: February 24, 2007 MANAMA: About 100 residents of a Muslim Shiite village staged a peaceful protest yesterday to repudiate an article in the pro-government press that they had been hosting a Shiite militant training camp.

Bahrain Freedom Movement – 23/02/2007

Updated Detainees list At exactly `o’clock this afternoon, dozens of Bani Jamrah residence made a sit-in protesting at what was published last Monday-February 20, 2007-of the Bahraini Ministry Interior spokesman disclosing alleged a training youth camp aimed to destabilize the security,

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 16/02/2007

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.

One again in Bahrain: Detainees of conscience since16 November 2006

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 11/02/2007

Bahrain: Jails Crammed by Detainees of Conscience and Activists Activists Committee calls the Authorities to respects its vows and release prisoners

Muharram has got Indianised over the years

29 January 2007 – 07/02/2007

Quite spiritedly, fervently and emotionally like the Ramlila, Muharram in India observes the victory of virtue over evil. It commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the younger grandson of Prophet Mohammed. In India, it is revered by all communities, especially the Hindus in Varanasi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Amroha, Indore, Nagpur, Jaipur, Phagwara in Punjab, Bhopal and Kanpur.

Mickey Mouse heads for Bahrain

07/02/2007

By Kate Thomas Published: 07 February 2007 A Saudi billionaire is said to be in talks with investors to bring Disneyland to the Middle East.

URGENT ALERT: BCHR President Abdulhadi Alkhawaja arrested

URGENT ALERT – 02/02/2007

The president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, was arrested by Bahraini authorities this morning at 6am. The reason for the detention is not yet known.

Three prominent human rights activists were arrested

Published: February 2, 2007/The Associated Press – 02/02/2007

MANAMA, Bahrain: Three prominent human rights activists were arrested in separate police raids early Friday in the Bahrain capital, local rights groups said.

Mushaima and Al-khawaja Apprehension

Bahrain urgent statement – 02/02/2007

Early this morning local time, Mr Hasan Mushaima – Secretary General of HAQ movement- and Mr Abdulhadi Al-khawaja- Chairman Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), were apprehended from their homes and transferred to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 31/01/2007

After waiting more than half an hour on the date of the trial, and without the presence of the defense, the lower court judge concerned with the publication detainees walked quickly to the hall of the court with a piece of paper in his hand.

Bahrain: Activists Face Prison for Political Leaflets

Human Rights Watch – 30/01/2007

For Immediate Release Police Attack Peaceful Demonstrators Supporting Detainees (New York, January 30, 2007) – Two nonviolent political activists in Bahrain face up to seven years in prison for possession of leaflets calling for peaceful political change, Human Rights Watch said today. A court in the capital Manama is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the case tomorrow.

Israeli Knesset passes law to revoke citizenship of ‘unpatriotic’ Israelis

29/01/2007

Wednesday January 10, 2007 23:12 by Saed Bannoura – IMEMC & Agencies – 1 of IMEMC Editorial Group saed@imemc.org

Release Publication Detainees “Mohamed and Husain”

29/01/2007

His Majesty, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The Royal Court- Riffa- Kingdom of Bahrain Fax: +973-17664587 APPEAL to Release Publication Detainees “Mohamed and Husain”

HRinfo and RSF Send Separate Open Letters to Bahraini Minister

Network for Human Rights Information – 25/01/2007

Cairo – 25 January 2007 The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (HRinfo) sent an open letter on 16 January 2007 to the Bahraini Minister of Information, Mohammed Ben Abdul Ghaffar Abdullah, urging him to take all the necessary measures to unblock HRinfo’s website (www.hrinfo.net) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

IFEX – News from the international freedom of expression community

Bahrain Center for Human Rights – 25/01/2007

Two men detained, face up to seven years’ imprisonment for disseminating “subversive literature”

Bahrain : Security forces Attacked sit-in for detainees of conscience

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 19/01/2007

A young man reported having head injury Aftermath a peaceful sit-in called upon by the families of prisoners of opinion, “Mohammed Hussein” in collaboration with the people detained “Kumail Abdelhasan” from the village of Maameer, the heavily armed Special Security Forces attacked and dispersed the protesters by force.

Bahrain : freedom of expression under trial

07/01/2007

Possession of leaflets calling for boycotting elections, “Mohammed & Hussain” face upto 7 years imprisonment on charges of favoring and promoting change of regime Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years), Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 years), attended this morning the Lower Court at the Ministry of Justice in the Diplomatic area along with their lawyer Mr Mohamed Ahmed, in the presence of their parents and some activists.

07/01/2007

If there is one arena where international politics is set aside to an unusual degree, it’s sports. Greece and Turkey may not get along, the Soviet Union and the US may have had thousands of nuclear weapons pointed at each other, but these conflicts and others have not prevented athletes from competing against each other in international arenas.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 27/12/2006

Press Release: Around noon time today, t he Bahraini Authorities ordered the transfer of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 yrs), Hussain Abdulaziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 yrs) to the Lower Court on January 7th, 2007 including their custody until then.
Sheikh Abdul-Ameer al-Jamri on foreign press

Foreign Press – 19/12/2006

Dec. 18, 2006, 9:56AM Bahrain’s leading Shiite cleric dies © 2006 The Associated Press An unidentified Bahraini carries a framed portrait of Sheik Abdul-Ameer al-Jamri outside the late cleric’s Bani Jamra, Bahrain, home on Monday, Dec.
Bahrain pro-democracy cleric dies

BBC – 19/12/2006

Abdul Amir al-Jamri led anti-government protests in the 1990s One of the most prominent Shia clerics in Bahrain, Abdul Amir al-Jamri, has died at the age of 69. His family said he had died at his home after a long illness.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 14/12/2006

Bahrain : Custody for Mohamed & Husain Renewed Again..Call for sit- in facing Parliament House at Opening Session In escalating move, t he Bahraini Authorities renewed today the detention of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 yrs), Hussain Abdulaziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 yrs) for extra 15 days starting next Monday.

Open letter from activist – 12/12/2006

10th of December: World Human Rights Day and Bahrain’s Human Violations Day From: Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights & the undersigned organizations

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 05/12/2006

Press Release: The Bahraini Authorities renewed the detention of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years), Hussein Abdul Aziz Al Habashi (a private company-32 years old) for extra 15 days, reflecting a blatant defiance of all calls to calm the situation through release of activists and those of opposite opinion.

Bahrain politics: Adversarial

24/11/2006

November 23rd 2006 Printer version COUNTRY BRIEFING FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Opposition parties are expected to make significant gains in Bahrain’s parliamentary elections on November 25th, after four opposition groups decided to end an election boycott. This could potentially work to the advantage of the government, which has sought for some time to regulate opposition movements and bring them into the parliamentary fold. Yet persistent sectarian tensions in the Shia-majority but Sunni-ruled state, coupled with a recent uproar over a report alleging systematic vote-rigging, suggest the new parliament will be combative.

The Mass Demonstration Protesting Al-Bandar Scandal

24/11/2006

Final Statement At a time when our people are subjected to a chain of deprivation and discrimination, and when public wealth and lands are plundered and wasted as a result of the despotic manner that this regime exercises, and for its assertion to deal with its public far from constitutional legitimacy, and while the regime prevents people from establishing and consolidating a true legislative government that represents the will and ambition of the people, and instead of seeing a ray of hope that would hopefully rescue them, they encounter a horrific wide-spread plan to devastate Bahraini unity at present and future.

Booklet – Bahrain The Kingdom of Silence

24/11/2006

Activist Detained at Criminal Interrogations

23/11/2006

23/11/2006

Bahrain : Well-known Activists protest against containment of freedom of expression and demand unconditional release of imprisoned activists

Page 3

Bahrain defends contacts with US Jewish body

By Habib Toumi, Correspondent – 06/04/2007

Gulfnews-Manama: Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa has defended Bahrain’s contacts with influential American Jews, saying that they were part of a drive to bring genuine peace to the Middle East.
The “Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2006”

05/04/2007

The “Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2006” report is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 665 of P.L. 107-228, the FY 03 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which requires the Department to report on actions taken by the U.S. Government to encourage respect for human rights. This fifth annual submission complements the longstanding Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2006, and takes the next step, moving from highlighting abuses to publicizing the actions and programs the United States has employed to end those abuses. Released April 5, 2007
US Navy denies sailor involved in shooting of Bahraini

By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief – 02/04/2007

Manama: The US Navy yesterday sharply denied claims that one of its sailors was involved in a shooting incident that left one Bahraini clinically dead.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 29/03/2007

Detainees of the village of Karbabad, Sayed Ali Sayed Akbar (20 years), Jafar Sadiq Kadhem (21 years), Mahmood Ali Mahdi (22yrs) were summoned to Court this morning on charges of crowd and riot, and was postponed for one week (April 5, 2007) with extension of their custody since lat February 22nd.

GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS DISSENT

28/03/2007

BAHRAIN The vice-president and president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), an interim IFEX member, have become the latest victims of a government campaign to suppress dissent.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 26/03/2007

Prosecution of minors and others participants in protest activities Early yesterday evening, the Bahraini special security forces besieged Sananbis village (2km west of the capital Manama) upon news of a protest march from the village center. At sunset, the heavily armed security forces flowed in large numbers into the open areas in the vicinity of the village, blocked main entrance, and started heavy firing of tear-gas canisters and rubber bullets from a distance to the participants in the march, which started at around 9pm near the cemetery, located in the center of Sanabis.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 16/03/2007

Bahraini Special Security Forces attacked, this afternoon, a peaceful sit-in attended by dozens of residents and families from Karbabad, in a protest of the continued imprisonment of their sons arrested more than three weeks, after some protesters blocked an outlet street on 22 of last February.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 13/03/2007

Human rights defender Nabeel Rajab-Deputy Bahrain Center for Human Rights-recently received a letter from the Bahraini Public Prosecutor asking him to appear for investigation next Wednesday March 14, 2007 in the Criminal Investigation Directorate- CID (Mokhabarat-Intelligence) located in Adliyah south of the capital Manama. Summoning of Rajab, apparently came in the background of the intense international activities in the United States and Europe on what locally dubbed as “Albandargate”. These were attended by Rajab as well as other personalities and institutions, known locally and internationally, including Dr. Salah Albandar-secretary general of the Gulf Center for the Development of Democracy-the source of the said reports.
Jail ‘ordeal’ of freed duo

28/02/2007

You cannot say anything, whatever you said you were put in an isolated cell.” Mr Al Sahlawi also criticised the holding cells at the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID), Adliya, where the men were kept while their case was still in court. He said they were forced to share a tiny cell with up to eight men and were only allowed out for two hours a day, from 7am to 9am. “In Adliya, the cell was small and dirty and we were among the drug addicts, killers and thieves,” he said

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 26/02/2007

Despite his denial of the charges against him, the prosecution ordered custody for 15 days for Ali Jaffar Ali (17 years old), after security forces raided his father’s house, located in the Sanabis for several times, without his presence. The Public Prosecutor sent a formal order for his presence, which his family complied with, yesterday. The public prosecutor accused him, as for others, of being part of crowd and assembly as stated in article 178 of the universally condemned Penal Code of 1976.

Clashes Erupt Again in Bahrain

The Middle East’s Leading English Language Daily – 24/02/2007

Saturday, 24, February, 2007 (06, Safar, 1428) Mazen Mahdi, Arab News — SITRA, Bahrain, 24 February 2007 — Several Shiite villages in Bahrain witnessed heavy clashes between protesters and anti-riot police on Thursday night, which led to the arrest of at least 10 people. The villagers were protesting the detention of a resident accused of subversive activities to destabilize the state.
Pro-govt press claims Shiite training camp in Bani Jamra

AP – 24/02/2007

Published Date: February 24, 2007 MANAMA: About 100 residents of a Muslim Shiite village staged a peaceful protest yesterday to repudiate an article in the pro-government press that they had been hosting a Shiite militant training camp.

Bahrain Freedom Movement – 23/02/2007

Updated Detainees list At exactly `o’clock this afternoon, dozens of Bani Jamrah residence made a sit-in protesting at what was published last Monday-February 20, 2007-of the Bahraini Ministry Interior spokesman disclosing alleged a training youth camp aimed to destabilize the security,

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 16/02/2007

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.

One again in Bahrain: Detainees of conscience since16 November 2006

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 11/02/2007

Bahrain: Jails Crammed by Detainees of Conscience and Activists Activists Committee calls the Authorities to respects its vows and release prisoners

Muharram has got Indianised over the years

29 January 2007 – 07/02/2007

Quite spiritedly, fervently and emotionally like the Ramlila, Muharram in India observes the victory of virtue over evil. It commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the younger grandson of Prophet Mohammed. In India, it is revered by all communities, especially the Hindus in Varanasi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Amroha, Indore, Nagpur, Jaipur, Phagwara in Punjab, Bhopal and Kanpur.

Mickey Mouse heads for Bahrain

07/02/2007

By Kate Thomas Published: 07 February 2007 A Saudi billionaire is said to be in talks with investors to bring Disneyland to the Middle East.

URGENT ALERT: BCHR President Abdulhadi Alkhawaja arrested

URGENT ALERT – 02/02/2007

The president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, was arrested by Bahraini authorities this morning at 6am. The reason for the detention is not yet known.

Three prominent human rights activists were arrested

Published: February 2, 2007/The Associated Press – 02/02/2007

MANAMA, Bahrain: Three prominent human rights activists were arrested in separate police raids early Friday in the Bahrain capital, local rights groups said.

Mushaima and Al-khawaja Apprehension

Bahrain urgent statement – 02/02/2007

Early this morning local time, Mr Hasan Mushaima – Secretary General of HAQ movement- and Mr Abdulhadi Al-khawaja- Chairman Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), were apprehended from their homes and transferred to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 31/01/2007

After waiting more than half an hour on the date of the trial, and without the presence of the defense, the lower court judge concerned with the publication detainees walked quickly to the hall of the court with a piece of paper in his hand.

Bahrain: Activists Face Prison for Political Leaflets

Human Rights Watch – 30/01/2007

For Immediate Release Police Attack Peaceful Demonstrators Supporting Detainees (New York, January 30, 2007) – Two nonviolent political activists in Bahrain face up to seven years in prison for possession of leaflets calling for peaceful political change, Human Rights Watch said today. A court in the capital Manama is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the case tomorrow.

Israeli Knesset passes law to revoke citizenship of ‘unpatriotic’ Israelis

29/01/2007

Wednesday January 10, 2007 23:12 by Saed Bannoura – IMEMC & Agencies – 1 of IMEMC Editorial Group saed@imemc.org

Release Publication Detainees “Mohamed and Husain”

29/01/2007

His Majesty, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The Royal Court- Riffa- Kingdom of Bahrain Fax: +973-17664587 APPEAL to Release Publication Detainees “Mohamed and Husain”

HRinfo and RSF Send Separate Open Letters to Bahraini Minister

Network for Human Rights Information – 25/01/2007

Cairo – 25 January 2007 The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (HRinfo) sent an open letter on 16 January 2007 to the Bahraini Minister of Information, Mohammed Ben Abdul Ghaffar Abdullah, urging him to take all the necessary measures to unblock HRinfo’s website (www.hrinfo.net) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

IFEX – News from the international freedom of expression community

Bahrain Center for Human Rights – 25/01/2007

Two men detained, face up to seven years’ imprisonment for disseminating “subversive literature”

Bahrain : Security forces Attacked sit-in for detainees of conscience

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 19/01/2007

A young man reported having head injury Aftermath a peaceful sit-in called upon by the families of prisoners of opinion, “Mohammed Hussein” in collaboration with the people detained “Kumail Abdelhasan” from the village of Maameer, the heavily armed Special Security Forces attacked and dispersed the protesters by force.

Bahrain : freedom of expression under trial

07/01/2007

Possession of leaflets calling for boycotting elections, “Mohammed & Hussain” face upto 7 years imprisonment on charges of favoring and promoting change of regime Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years), Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 years), attended this morning the Lower Court at the Ministry of Justice in the Diplomatic area along with their lawyer Mr Mohamed Ahmed, in the presence of their parents and some activists.

07/01/2007

If there is one arena where international politics is set aside to an unusual degree, it’s sports. Greece and Turkey may not get along, the Soviet Union and the US may have had thousands of nuclear weapons pointed at each other, but these conflicts and others have not prevented athletes from competing against each other in international arenas.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 27/12/2006

Press Release: Around noon time today, t he Bahraini Authorities ordered the transfer of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 yrs), Hussain Abdulaziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 yrs) to the Lower Court on January 7th, 2007 including their custody until then.
Sheikh Abdul-Ameer al-Jamri on foreign press

Foreign Press – 19/12/2006

Dec. 18, 2006, 9:56AM Bahrain’s leading Shiite cleric dies © 2006 The Associated Press An unidentified Bahraini carries a framed portrait of Sheik Abdul-Ameer al-Jamri outside the late cleric’s Bani Jamra, Bahrain, home on Monday, Dec.
Bahrain pro-democracy cleric dies

BBC – 19/12/2006

Abdul Amir al-Jamri led anti-government protests in the 1990s One of the most prominent Shia clerics in Bahrain, Abdul Amir al-Jamri, has died at the age of 69. His family said he had died at his home after a long illness.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 14/12/2006

Bahrain : Custody for Mohamed & Husain Renewed Again..Call for sit- in facing Parliament House at Opening Session In escalating move, t he Bahraini Authorities renewed today the detention of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 yrs), Hussain Abdulaziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 yrs) for extra 15 days starting next Monday.

Open letter from activist – 12/12/2006

10th of December: World Human Rights Day and Bahrain’s Human Violations Day From: Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights & the undersigned organizations

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain – 05/12/2006

Press Release: The Bahraini Authorities renewed the detention of activists; Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years), Hussein Abdul Aziz Al Habashi (a private company-32 years old) for extra 15 days, reflecting a blatant defiance of all calls to calm the situation through release of activists and those of opposite opinion.

Bahrain politics: Adversarial

24/11/2006

November 23rd 2006 Printer version COUNTRY BRIEFING FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT Opposition parties are expected to make significant gains in Bahrain’s parliamentary elections on November 25th, after four opposition groups decided to end an election boycott. This could potentially work to the advantage of the government, which has sought for some time to regulate opposition movements and bring them into the parliamentary fold. Yet persistent sectarian tensions in the Shia-majority but Sunni-ruled state, coupled with a recent uproar over a report alleging systematic vote-rigging, suggest the new parliament will be combative.

The Mass Demonstration Protesting Al-Bandar Scandal

24/11/2006

Final Statement At a time when our people are subjected to a chain of deprivation and discrimination, and when public wealth and lands are plundered and wasted as a result of the despotic manner that this regime exercises, and for its assertion to deal with its public far from constitutional legitimacy, and while the regime prevents people from establishing and consolidating a true legislative government that represents the will and ambition of the people, and instead of seeing a ray of hope that would hopefully rescue them, they encounter a horrific wide-spread plan to devastate Bahraini unity at present and future.

Booklet – Bahrain The Kingdom of Silence

24/11/2006

Activist Detained at Criminal Interrogations

23/11/2006

23/11/2006

Bahrain : Well-known Activists protest against containment of freedom of expression and demand unconditional release of imprisoned activists