International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

Wednesday 19 May 2004

In a letter addressed on May 19, 2004, to the King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) expressed its concern at the deterioration of the human rights situation in Bahrain.

The FIDH has been informed of the arrest and detention of several political activists in Bahrain on the basis of collecting signatures fo a constitutional reforms petition addressed to King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa. The petition was criticising the constitutional amendments adopted in 2002 and requesting more powers to be attributed to the elected members of the parliament.

Front Line – Defenders of Human Rights Defenders - 18 May 2004

Front Line is concerned over reports that the Bahrain Human Rights Centre has received warnings from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs that its licence would be withdrawn should it conduct any political activity. To date the Bahrain Human Rights Centre (BCHR) has received two formal warnings in the past seven months. Recently the BHCR has been active in a campaign trying to secure the release of 23 petitioners arrested 30th April and 5th May 2004. Front Line is very concerned that the BCHR will be denied the right to defend basic human rights such as the freedom of expression and of association in Bahrain, as is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Human Rights Watch - 17 May 2004

The government of Bahrain should immediately release 20 individuals arrested for collecting signatures on a political petition, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should also end the criminal investigations against them.

The petition for constitutional amendments would give greater legislative authority to the kingdom’s elected assembly. Addressed to King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, the petition reportedly has tens of thousands of signatures.

“This blatant suppression of freedom of speech and association flies in the face of the government’s proclaimed commitment to democratic change,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa Division. “The right to petition peacefully is fundamental, and this petition addresses an issue that lies at the heart of democratic reforms.”