Bahrain Freedom Movement

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.

 The Public Prosecutor, headed by Ahmed Bu Cheery, refused a request by the defendant lawyer- Mr Mohamed Ahmed-   for the release of the two activists by bail or possession of their passport. This refual indicate the fact the issue is politically motivated, waiting for the convenient timing to take them to court and face them with State Security charges.

The Bahraini Public Prosecution considered acquisition of internet-downloaded publications calling for boycotting last election “favouritism and promotion of the changing systems of the State through illegal means and without a legitimate reason” and “spreading false news and exciting rumors, which would cause disruption of public security, and damage public interest”. These charges come under a special chapter in the Penal Code- no 15 of 1976- dedicated to State Security crimes.

The Authorities refused to comply with requests and calls made by several institutions, civic societies, known dignitaries, activists- inside and outside Bahrain- demanding the release of the two activists. The Bahraini Special Forces attacked a candle vigil called upon by a family committee of the two detainees and prevented it, after the success of the previous set-in last Friday called upon by the same committee. Furthermore, the local Authorities refused to receive a notification- delivered by hand- calling for another sit-in near Geant Superstore tomorrow afternoon. Rather, family of the two activists received threats and warning for carrying any protesting activity.  

The Committee of activists considers such acts to affirm the premeditation to punish Mohamed and Husain as well as send a harsh message to other activists. Thus and in protest to the continued detention of the two activists, the committee calls for a sit-in at three o’clock tomorrow in front of the House of Deputies in Qudhaibeya. The Committee calls for lifting portraits of the two activists and slogans calling for their release, as well as bringing up the issue of violating the rights of freedom of expression and activist in Bahrain in a civilized manner in front of media and journalists who will be attending the opening session of the House of Deputies, in the presence of the King, the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince.

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain

  December 14, 2006