Two sentenced to jail for circulating 'detrimental article'
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10100945.html

01/31/2007 09:58 PM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: A Bahraini court yesterday sentenced two activists to prison for possessing and distributing leaflets containing an article deemed detrimental to public interest. The verdict was immediately condemned by Al Wefaq, Bahrain's largest opposition society, as "unjust and incompatible with the reforms".

Dr Mohammad Saeed Al Sahlawi, a 35-year-old dentist, was sentenced to one year while Hussain Abdul Aziz Al Habshi, an insurance employee, 32, was given six months by the lower criminal court in a trial that drew criticism from several international organisations.

31 January 2007

MANAMA - A court in Bahrain on Wednesday sent two political activists to jail for possessing leaflets calling for a boycott of recent legislative elections, their lawyer said.

Mohammed Saeed Al Sahlawi, a dentist, received a one-year jail sentence while insurance executive Hussein al Hibshi was sentenced to six months in prison, lawyer Mohammed Ahmad told AFP.

“This ruling is unfair and illogical. It bypassed the defence argument... that the defendants were only exercising their right to free expression and that the material seized in their possession stressed the need to abide by peaceful means in expressing views,” Ahmad said.

Expat population rising in Bahrain
By SOMAN BABY
Published: 1st February 2007

THE number of expatriates coming to live in Bahrain is rising, according to figures released yesterday.

Expatriates who were given new residence permits (RPs) or had existing ones renewed last year rose to 221,239, about 11 per cent more than in 2005.

These included 34,131 housemaids, said General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) acting human resources and finance director Nayef Ahmed Al Sherooqi.

The figures released were of those who were granted new RPs and those whose permits were renewed.

BCHR: Bahraini court jails activists in the face of international outcry

The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights is extremely concerned to note that in spite of international and local appeals, two Bahraini activists have been jailed for posessing leaflets calling for a boycott of November's elections.

Mohammed Saeed Al Sahlawi has been sentenced to one year in jail and Hussein Al Hibshi has been sentenced to six months in jail. Both were arrested on November 16 and charged with distributing and posessing material which might "damage the public interest".

A group of Bahraini youth rioted late Wednesday outside Sehla, south of the capital Manama, burning refuse and blocking the entrance to the Shiite village.

The protesters quickly dispersed fleeing anti-riot police who were dispatched to break up the crowd for the second time within a few hours, after an earlier protest was held in the same area.

No clashes were reported during the two incidents, but sources said that a police car sustained damage after being attacked with stones following the first protest.

The protesters were rallying against a ruling Wednesday morning by a Bahraini court, which handed down jail sentences for two pamphlet activists arrested in November.

Trial of Freedom of Expression in Bahrain:

Spilled in less than 10 seconds, the judge read out a political verdict for the detainees of publications

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. He asked everyone to sit and asked about the presence of the accused, then, nervously and with low voice, quickly read the sentence, in less than 10 seconds. The verdict, which was barely heard from those close to the rostrum, is the imprisonment for a period of one year to Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years old) and six months for Husain Abdul aziz Al Hebshi (a private company-32 years) on charges of possession of publications, downloaded from the Internet, calling for the boycott of the past elections.

Rights panel still far away

Parliament yet to heed to the demand
Titus Filio
Contributor

Calls for a parliamentary human rights panel await action.
Members of the Shura Council and newly elected lawmakers have separately proposed a standing committee on the lines of the existing panels to follow up on the crucial human rights legislation either in the Council or in the Chamber of Deputies.
The committee was envisioned to represent all blocs in the parliament.
Last month, Council member Faisal Fulad reiterated his demand that the committee should be set up in the council. He said the panel should reflect the lawmakers’ seriousness in pushing for human rights. But he admitted it might not come as soon as it had been expected.

Royal pardon three appeal for return of former posts
By TARIQ KHONJI
Published: 31st January 2007

THREE men freed from jail sentences, including two convicted of taking part in an illegal demonstration that ended in violent clashes with police, are appealing to the Interior Ministry for their jobs back.

They say that they have full pardons from His Majesty King Hamad, which require them to be reinstated, but which are being ignored by the ministry.

The men say that they are unable to find jobs elsewhere, because they are still registered as government employees.

Abdul Ameer Madan, a former technical inspector and Hassan Abdulnabi, a mechanic, want to go back to their jobs at the General Directorate of Traffic. Both were arrested following clashes with police at Bahrain International Airport in December 2005.

Bahrain: Activists Face Prison for Political Leaflets
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.

Human Rights Watch called on the Bahraini government to drop charges against Mohamed Sa`id al-Sahlawi and Husain `Abd al-`Aziz al-Hibshi, and grant their immediate and unconditional release. On November 16, state security forces arrested al-Sahlawi, a dentist, and al-Hibshi, an insurance executive, for possessing leaflets calling for the boycott of the last election. The leaflets in question do not condone or encourage violence, but instead called for a boycott of the previous elections and political change through “peaceful legitimate means.”

Maid's misery
By BEGENA GEORGE
Published: 29 January 2007

SOCIAL workers are finding it almost impossible to find accommodation for a Sri Lankan mother and her daughter, who fled their sponsor's house last Tuesday.

The GDN reported earlier this month that housemaid Kalamalar Raasaiya was stranded in Bahrain because her daughter Vasanthi, who was born out of wedlock, has no legal papers.

However, they fled her sponsor's house by taxi at around 5.30pm last Tuesday - with Ms Raasaiya claiming that she had been victimised for speaking to the Press.

They contacted the Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) on the same night seeking shelter, but were told they would not be able to stay in its shelter for abused workers because it was not equipped for children.

Global appeal to release duo
By geoffrey bew
Published: 29 January 2007

FORTY-SIX human rights organisations from around the world have signed a petition calling for the release of two men arrested in Bahrain after being accused of possessing and distributing subversive literature.

The document, started by the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, was sent to His Majesty King Hamad yesterday.

Signatories include groups from Bahrain, as well as representatives from the UK, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Iraq, Egypt, Kuwait, Palestine, Yemen, Libya, Syria, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Cameroon.

BAHRAINI DIVORCEE HIGHLIGHTS DIVORCE PLIGHT OF WOMEN
Getting divorced in the Shari’a courts is the most difficult process for women in Bahrain, a Bahraini human rights activist said.

“In many cases, women have to give up their houses and the custody of their children just to get the divorce,” said Nabeel Rajab, vice president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR).

The case of a young woman in Bahrain facing an ugly divorce process has set off a public campaign urging the government to increase legal and physical protection of women who wish to end their marriages legally.

120 support online pleas to release activist pair
By Geoffrey bew
Published: 28th January 2007

MORE than 100 people have signed dual online petitions calling for the release of two men arrested after being accused of possessing and distributing subversive literature. Organised by the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, one is being signed by the general public and the other by human rights activists from across the world.

Both will eventually be sent to His Majesty King Hamad.

The petitions praise the government for its accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Bahrain's Shiites protest comments by Sunni lawmaker

The Associated Press
Saturday, January 27, 2007
MANAMA, Bahrain
Bahrain's Shiites demanded an apology on Saturday from a leading Sunni lawmaker in the tiny Arab kingdom who they say falsely accused them of storing arms in Shiite mosques.

Sameera Rajab, a Baathist lawmaker in Bahrain parliament's upper house and also a columnist in the pro-government daily Akhbar Alkhaleej, has wrongfully contended that the Shiites were hoarding weapons in mosques in preparation for the holy Ashura festival, the Shiites said.

We demand a "clear apology from the writer for damaging the honor of the (Shiite) community," read a paid advertisement in the independent Al-Wasat by the association of 150 Shiite mosques in Bahrain.

Bid to hush up maid’s beating
Battered Filipina told not to complain
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Contributor

Judging from the bloodstains on Merle Bautista’s clothes, it is clear that she went through a rough ordeal. She is one of the many Filipino household helpers who are brutally attacked and beaten up without mercy by their sponsors.
Merle, however, was allegedly “advised” not to press charges by Philippine Embassy officials after she made a hasty retreat to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) a few days before.
“I managed to work for about five months with my sponsor’s family despite all the hardships I had to endure. The family themselves evidently had serious internal problems of their own. They were never at peace, they were always shouting and fighting with each other. This behaviour trickled down to their children who also behaved badly,” Merle said.

Women 'still badly paid'
Published: 26 January 2007

A QUARTER of Bahrain's working women earn less than BD200 a month according to a new survey.

Only 9.9 per cent are in key positions, proving that gender bias is still strong in the workplace, says the Bahrain Centre of Studies and Research study.

It polled 313 women working in different sectors and found that their salaries were low irrespective of their qualifications, with 25.5pc of them earning BD200 or less.

"Most of them were employed at jobs traditionally associated with women. These include secretaries, receptionists and clerks," said the report.

HRinfo and RSF Send Separate Open Letters to Bahraini Minister of Information

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.

Reporters without Borders (RSF), an organization defending freedom of press, has also sent an open letter in this regard to the Bahraini Minister of Information on 10 January 2007.

Dr. Mohamed Ben Abdul Ghaffar Abdullah

Thursday, 25, January, 2007 (07, Muharram, 1428)

Murder Case Verdict Fuels Sectarian Tension in Bahrain
Mazen Mahdi, Arab News —

MANAMA, 25 January 2007 — The family of a Reuters computer technician who was shot down in a street ambush last August was angered by a court decision yesterday to sentence the killer to life imprisonment instead of executing him.

The judgment, which came after four court appearances by the 29-year-old suspect, shocked family and friends of the 32-year-old father-of-two Mahdi Abdulrahman Mohammed who was gunned down on Aug. 20.

Some family members fainted in court and had to be rushed to hospital after the judge announced the sentence, while others organized protests calling the decision “sectarian” and “unfair”.

Treat us well and we won’t run away’
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Contributor

The English dailies are littered with stories of housemaids and labourers running away from abusive sponsors but has anyone ever asked them how they felt whilst they were on the run?
The Tribune sat with some of the women who have made this shelter their home and asked them what it was really like to be on the run.
“First and foremost, if I may say bluntly, no household worker in their right mind would ever think of running away if the sponsor treated them well.
“I am not only referring to the physical abuse they may subject them to, the mental and verbal abuse are equally destructive and hurtful. It is a two-road for both, we are people too, not slaves,” said Alona.

Activists in plea for release of leaflets pair
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 22 January 2007

HUMAN rights activists in Bahrain have launched dual online petitions calling for the release of two men arrested after being accused of possessing and distributing subversive literature.

One will be signed by ordinary people and the other by human rights activists from across the world, said vice-president of the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights Nabeel Rajab.

Both will eventually be sent to His Majesty King Hamad.

The petitions praise the government for its accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and points out the United Nations treaty states "everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression".

Growing Indian workers` suicides causes alarm in Bahrain

Dubai, Jan 23: Indian embassy officials and community leaders in Bahrain have expressed alarm at the high rate of suicide among their countrymen in the kingdom.

At least three Indians are known to have killed themselves within the first 21 days of this month.

The most recent case was on Sunday when a man, whose identity is yet to be revealed, was found hanging at a commercial skyscraper, a day before an Indian employee of Bahrain duty free jumped to his death from a pedestrian bridge.

A financial controller and father of two Ashok Kumar was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his upmarket Hoora Apartment on January 3.

Bahrain: Suicide rate rings alarm
Manama Jan 23: INDIAN Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty has expressed concern at the number of his countrymen committing suicide in Bahrain.

At least three Indians are known to have killed themselves within the first 21 days of this month.

The most recent case happened on Sunday when a man, whose identity has yet to be revealed, was found hanging at Commerce Towers near the Sheraton Hotel.

One day earlier, salesman Hamza Maheen, 47, jumped to his death from the pedestrian bridge near the InterCon-tinental Bahrain Hotel.

A financial controller and father-of-two Ashok Kumar was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his Hoora apartment on January 3.

Country/Topic: Bahrain
Date: 22 January 2007
Source: Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR)
Person(s): M. Al Sahlawi, H. Al Hebshi
Target(s): other
Type(s) of violation(s): arrested , charged , imprisoned
Urgency: Flash
(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a 20 January 2007 statement from BCHR, an interim member of IFEX:
http://ifex.org/en/content/view/full/80539/

Severe infringement on freedom of expression in Bahrain
On January 31st, two detainees face a possible verdict of up to seven years imprisonment

On November 16, 2006, Dr M. Al Sahlawi (Dentist, age 35) and Mr. H. Al Hebshi (Insurance sales executive, age 32) were arrested by Bahraini authorities after being found in possession of a publication deemed by the authorities to be "subversive literature". This publication, downloaded from the Internet, called on Bahrainis to boycott the parliamentary elections held in November 2006.

Government forces attack demonstration for the release of the Leaflet Detainees; one person hospitalized

19 January 2007

Government paramilitary police on Friday afternoon attacked a peaceful demonstration, including women and children, calling for the release of the "Leaflet Detainees".

The sit-in commenced peacefully near the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis. However, after the sit-in ended, government forces dispersed the demonstrators forcefully, firing rubber bullets and tear gas at the crowd. One man, Ibrahim Habib from Isa Town, was injured and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

The sit-in was organized by the families of the "Leaflet Detainees", Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi. The two prisoners of conscience have been detained by Bahrain authorities since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details and background of this case, see BCHR Ref:07010801, Ref: 06120601, and Ref: 06111900.

More photographs from the sit-in are below.

Bahrain Center for Human Rights
20 January 2007
Ref: 07012001

The Bahrain Center for Human Rights has launched a public petition to His Majesty the King, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, calling for the release of the 'Leaflet Detainees', Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Mr Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained by Bahrain authorities since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details and background of this case, see BCHR Ref:07010801, Ref: 06120601, and Ref: 06111900, or browse through the Leaflet Detainees archive.

The case has already set a very dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in Bahrain. Therefore, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights calls on concerned individuals in Bahrain and around the world to support the demand for the release of detainees by signing the petition below.

A young man reported having head injury

Committee of Solidarity with Activists and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain
19 January 2007

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.

The sit-in, which was convened by the Committee on for the period from 3:30 until 4:30 this afternoon in front of the Bahrain Center "Geant", was attended by a number of women, children and activists. After the sit-in finished, a large number of cars "jeep" loaded with special forces landed quickly and attacked with batons on the attendees including women and children.

Trafficking in Persons Interim Assessment
Released by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
January 19, 2007
Bahrain

The Government of Bahrain made uneven progress in combating trafficking in persons since the release of the 2006 Report. In November, the government opened a shelter capable of accommodating 60-80 trafficking victims, and offering medical, psychological, and legal care. Victims have access to library and recreational facilities, as well as skills training while they await repatriation. Victims can only enter the shelter by police referral, and for reasons of security, they are only permitted to leave the premises for official business purposes. The shelter receives only female victims of trafficking.

Woman receives death threats, faces defamation charges, for speaking out about divorce case, criticising courts and authorities, in television interview

(BCHR/IFEX)

A 29-year-old divorcee in Bahrain has been receiving death threats and anonymous telephone calls after being interviewed about her case on Al Hurra television on 25 November 2006.

During the interview, mother-of-three Suad Mohammed Fathalla spoke alongside Women's Petition Committee head Ghada Jamsheer and Bahrain Center for Human Rights president Abdulhadi Al Khawaja. While speaking on Al Hurra television, Ms Fathalla gave details of her case - she told how her eldest son chose not to live with his father.

Violence victims now vocal

1,310 cases reported to Batelco centre last year

Victims of domestic violence have become more vocal.
A total of 1,310 cases were registered at the Batelco Centre for Domestic Violence last year. That represents an average of three cases a day. In 2005, about 1,100 victims sought the centre’s help.
The centre provided shelter for 586 victims as required by their cases. Some needed treatment for injuries.
“Cases kept on coming. Some victims needed complete therapy and counselling,” the head of the centre, Dr. Bana Buzaboon, told the Tribune yesterday. Victims were given individual or group therapy.

Murderer to be executed
By MOHAMMED ASLAM
Published: 18th January 2007

MANAMA: A Bahraini court sentenced a Bangladeshi to death yesterday and jailed two others for life over the premeditated murder of one of their countrymen in October 2005. The sentence was passed just over a month after the execution of three other convicted murderers and will be only the fourth execution in the last 10 years.

The three Bangladeshis were yesterday found guilty of the murder of Ridar Mian, who they lured to a farm in Janusan by promising him sex with a woman.

However, when he got there they jumped him and one held his legs while the other two strangled and suffocated him at the same time.

Breaking News / World
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view_article.php?article_id=44134
Bahrain at work on new labor law

Agence France-Presse

Posted date: January 18, 2007

MANAMA -- Bahrain's labor minister said Wednesday that a collective labor agreement is in the works to provide protection for foreign workers, mostly from Asia, whose rights are often abused in the Gulf region.
In an interview with AFP, Labor Minister Majid al-Alawi said the new code, which would amend laws in effect since 1976, would also create an "arbitration commission to breach differences" between unions and businesses.

Child abuse probe
By Mandeep Singh
Published: 17th January 2007

AN investigation into an alleged beating of a seven-year-old Iraqi child by his teacher will be conducted by the Education Ministry, a spokesman said yesterday.

The incident allegedly took place at the Khamis Primary School on Sunday when the child was severely beaten by his teacher that his left arm was fractured.

The child was reportedly taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), where his arm was put in a cast and he was kept under observation before being discharged the same day.

I fear for our lives, says divorced mum
By MANDEEP SINGH
Published: 17th January 2007

A BAHRAINI divorcee claims she has received more death threats against her and her children, since her dispute with her ex-husband was taken up by the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR).

"I fear for my life and those of my children," said 29-year-old Suad Mohammed Fathalla, whose plight was first highlighed by the GDN in July last year.

She said the latest threats came by phone early hours of yesterday and on Monday night, almost immediately after she asked the BCHR for help over a hate campaign she says has gone on for months.

Published: 17/01/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

Divorcee pledges to continue fight to clear her name
By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: A divorcee has vowed to continue her struggle to clear her name as she faces defamation charges after she criticised Sharia court judges and the absence of a personal status law in Bahrain.

"They are trying to pressure me to shut my mouth after I had spoken to the media. What scares me most of all is that they may try to take my children away or jail me on the charges of defamation and then take my children away as a result of that," Suad Mohammad Fadl Allah was quoted as saying.

Woman threatened with life
Divorcee wants custody of her three children
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter

Where do you want to die? In Busaiteen or Manama?
These are some of the threatening questions hurled at Suad Mohammed Fathalla when she answers the phone everyday.
She told the Tribune yesterday, “My children Ahmed and Jameela are with me but I fear losing them after the next hearing scheduled for February 13.
“I was in prison because my ex-husband filed a case defaming my character but was acquitted by the court on October 25, 2006.
“I lost custody of my kids. My husband who drank regularly beat me regularly despite this the court gave him custody of the kids.”

Stranded maids claim rejected
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 15 January 2007

OFFICIALS in Bahrain have dismissed as untrue reports that Philippines housemaids were stranded at their embassy shelter without food or water.

Kakammpi, a non-governmental organisation helping overseas Philippines workers and their families, released a statement in Manila that 25 maids were suffering greatly under the care of embassy officials, as they awaited results of their individual cases.

It quoted one maid by the name of Nanette Enginero of Malanday, Marikina City, saying that workers seeking shelter at the embassy needed food and money for their daily basic necessities.

Mideast attracting workers
Published: 15 January 2007

SEVEN out of 10 Philippines workers who left their country between January and November last year came to the Middle East, with a large number of them taking jobs in Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia got the lion's share, at 30 per cent, according to the latest statistics released by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

The study showed that out of 285,014 actual departures of Philippines workers in the first 11 months of last year through the country's international airports, 194,034 headed to the Middle East.

Of the total departures, 168,903 were men and 116,111 women.

Pair 'sharing jail with Aids patients'
By Mohammed Aslam
Published: 15 January 2007

TWO BAHRAINIS arrested for allegedly distributing subversive literature are being forced to share a cell with hardened and diseased prisoners, they claimed in court yesterday.

"We have been placed in a cell with drug addicts, criminals and prisoners who are sick and are suffering from dangerous diseases like Aids, hepatitis and other communicable diseases," said one of the defendants, a 35-year-old dentist.

"We request the court to shift us from this cell to another cell."

Lower Criminal Court judge Ahmed Abdulkhaliq rejected the plea, saying it was not the court's responsibility.

Bahrain Center for Human Rights & Women’s Petition Committee
14 January 2007
Ref: 07011401

Bahrain: A young divorcee has been abused and threatened for speaking out against Sharia courts, the Ministry of Interior, politicized judges and the lack of a personal status law.

A 29-year-old divorcee in Bahrain has been receiving death threats and anonymous phone calls after being interviewed about her case on Al Hurra television on November 25th 2006.

Journalists probe sought
Published: 14th January 2007

A REGIONAL human rights group has submitted a complaint to the Egyptian Press Syndicate requesting an inquiry into the involvement of a number of Egyptian journalists in a controversial Bahrain report known as the "Bandargate Report".

The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) also attached the full copy of the report, along with a range of material issued by human rights and media organisations in Bahrain.

"On the report appear names of certain Egyptian journalists being accused of unethical use of their capacity as journalists and media personnel," said a statement issued by the CIHRS.

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Protection of women's rights urged
By Tariq Khonji
Published: 14th January 2007

THE Arab world has a long way to go before the level of women's rights can reach international standards, women's rights activists said yesterday. Children and Mothers Information Centre president Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa said that there was no longer any room in the world for discrimination between the sexes.

"The world today no longer believes in such divisions. The global trend is for one world in which men and women work together to achieve common economic, political, cultural, social and civil goals," she said.

A Call to Attend Public Activities and Prosecution Sessions for Possession of Publications

The second session for prosecuting the activists Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years), Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi (employee-32 years) will be held at 9am tomorrow at the Lower Criminal Court at the Ministry of Justice in the capital Manama to face charges of possession publications calling for boycott of last election.

Dr Mohamed and Mr Husain were abducted from a public place and have been detained since the afternoon of Thursday November 16th, 2006. The Public Prosecution accused them of "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 are based on Articles (160), (161) and (168) of the Bahraini Penal Code (Decree law no. 15 of 1976), which fall under articles on the External State Security. According to these articles, the two activists could face upto seven years imprisonment because of acquisition of the said internet-downloaded publications.

1. Does the BCHR use violent tactics to achieve its goals?
2. Is the BCHR a Shia organization?
3. Is the BCHR a political organization?
4. Then why has the BCHR made political statements in the past?
5. Why was the BCHR outlawed?
6. What is the BCHR's stance towards naturalization in Bahrain?
7. Where does the BCHR get its finances from?
8. What is the BCHR's strategy for improving the human rights situation in Bahrain?

Relatives of two Bahraini detainees arrested last November for possession of anti-government leaflets protested in Manama on Friday calling for their release.

They were joined by MP Jalal Fairooz of the Islamist Shiite Al Wefaq 17-member bloc, who called the prolonged detention unnecessary and offered to post bail.

Dentist Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi, 35, and 32-year-old insurance company employee Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi were arrested for possession of leaflets.

"The leaflets only expressed a point of view, which is a right guaranteed under the constitution," Fairooz said. "I am willing to post bail for both until they appear in court. They are productive members of the community and represent no danger to anyone."

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see BCHR Ref:07010801.

More photographs from the demonstration are below.

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Families, activists and supporters held a demonstration on on Friday, January 12, 2006, in front of the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis to demand the release of the Leaflet Detainees, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Hussain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi.

The two prisoners of conscience have been detained since 16 November 2006, on charges of possessing internet-downloaded publications calling for the boycott of the last election, deemed by the government as "subversive literature". If convicted, they face a prison sentence of upto seven years. For details of this case, see

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies

CIHRS submitted a complaint to the Press Syndicate requesting an inquiry into the alleged involvement of a number of Egyptian journalists working in Bahrain in a political scandal that came to be known as the "Bander-gate". The Bander-gate scandal was publicly known over the last few months when a report authored by the Sudanese-born Briton Salah el-Bander, an ex-consultant in the Bahraini Cabinet, was published. Dr. Bander moved to Britain following news of confiscating the documents and intelligence he had and threats to immediately deport him from Bahrain on 13 September 2006. The full text of Bander's report was attached with the CIHRS complaint, along with a range of material issued by human rights and media organizations in Bahrain on this issue.

Maid out of coma after lethal leap
Recovery may take months

A Filipina maid has come out of a coma after she jumped from a three-storey building on New Year’s day.
Jesusa Baltazar, for reasons that still remain unclear leapt out of her sponsors house leaving her comatose for four days. An operation and continuo’s treatment helped her cause.
She has been placed under a 24-hour watch at the hospital.
Her case baffles both hospital staff and sponsor because, unlike other cases of maids jumping off a building, Jesusa was not really running away.
She still appeared disoriented and incoherent when the Tribune visited her.

Maid commits suicide
Published: 12th January 2007

AN African housemaid in her 30s committed suicide by hanging herself from a bathroom door at her sponsors' house in Saar.

The housemaid, who had been in Bahrain for three months, had frequently been asking to see her family before she killed herself, said a Public Prosecution spokesman.

No unusual signs of injury or attack on the body were found by the Public Prosecution during its investigation at the scene.

© Gulf Daily News

Bahrain : Human Rights Watch
http://hrw.org/englishwr2k7/docs/2007/01/11/bahrai14699.htm

Events of 2006
Bahrain’s human rights practices improved significantly following reforms decreed by the king, Shaikh Hamad bin `Isa Al Khalifa, in 2001-02, but the government did not institutionalize in law protection of basic rights such as freedom of assembly, association, and expression. Some new laws ratified in 2006—on counterterrorism and public gatherings, for instance—contain provisions that undermine those rights.

Runaway maids 'not all abused'
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 11th January 2007

FILIPINOS were yesterday urged by their own embassy to "stop abusing Bahrain's hospitality" as officials try to stem the flow of runaway workers.

The embassy's shelter, in Zinj, is now so overcrowded with runaways that it is asking them not to seek help unless they really need it.

Officials say that some are now running away just because they have been yelled at by their employers, but have no legitimate complaint.

One of the problems is thought to be the increasing number of Filipinos coming to Bahrain on tourist visas and then landing jobs when they get here, despite not having work permits.

Plea to lift controls on Internet
Published: 11th January 2007

BAHRAIN'S Internet censoring controls are inappropriate, states an international organisation that defends Press freedom.

In a letter to His Majesty King Hamad, Reporters Without Borders condemned an increase in the censorship of online publications.

In particular, the letter requested the ban on the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information website to be lifted.

The letter, signed by secretary general Robert Ménard, states in April 2005, the Bahrain government adopted regulations that require websites dealing with Bahrain to register with the Information Ministry.

Plea to change citizenship law
By tariq khonji
Published: 11th January 2007

BAHRAINI women married to foreigners and their stateless children yesterday appealed to parliament to amend 'biased' nationality laws.

The women demanded their right to marry whomever they chose and not be punished, along with their children, because of it.

Bahraini Siham Abdul Hussain told a two-day pan-Arab Regional Naturalisation Conference about how difficult the laws have made it for her, her Saudi husband Ali Jawad and her two children Zainab, seven, and Hassan, three.

"My children were born here and know no country other than Bahrain and yet they are foreigners in their own country," she said.

New Bay push call by group
By geoffrey bew
Published: 11th January 2007

HUMAN rights activists in Bahrain have called for a renewed push from governments across the GCC to bring home detainees being held in Guantanamo Bay.

The now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights vice-president Nabeel Rajab, described the prisoners' incarceration as an "ongoing humanitarian travesty" and called for the immediate closure of the prison camp and the repatriation of the GCC prisoners being held captive.

Two Bahrainis are among those still being held at the prison camp in Cuba and both have never been charged or put on trial.

10/01/2007
Ratification Would Strengthen Arab Voice for Justice
Global Coalition Urges Bahrain to Ratify International Cri