Bahrain
January 7, 2009

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Bahrain.

Bahraini Authorities stepping up in targeting Shiite citizens

Bahrain- 2009-01-03

Front Line is concerned following reports received of a travel ban imposed on human rights defender, Abdulghani Al-Khanjar who was refused entry to Qatar at Doha Airport on 2 December 2008.

Further Information

Defense Lawyers Reveal Official Document Proving Death Before Alleged Murder Incident
Individuals Accused of Burning a Police Car and Killing a Police Man are Exposed to Cruel and Inhuman Treatment

8 October 2008

Bahrain: First historical occurrence: Detainees of Two Karzakan incidents prosecuted together
Ignored by Court: Repeated inhumane and ill-treatment asserted by detainees
Fears of Politically Motivated Ruling Glooms the Prosecution
www.bahrainrights.org

10 December 2008

Amalgamation and prosecution of two different cases:

At about 10am of Monday 8th September 2008, 28 young men were handcuffed and escorted, by civilian dressed security men, to their place in the High Criminal Court. Without any legal justification and to the bewilderment of the detainees, the lawyers, the families and the observers, all the detainees of the two “Karzakan incidents”, grouped in 15 and 19, were joined together in this court seated by judge, Shaikh Mohamed bin Ali Al-Khalifa-member of the Royal Family, irrespective of the differences in the circumstances, timing and charges of the two cases.

Urgent Action Needed

Imprisoned Since December 2007: Five Activists Appealing Hopelessly on 14th September Against 5-7 Year - Imprisonment Sentences Reportedly Based on Confessions Obtained Under Torture

10th September 2008

The BCHR appeals for the release of the following activists, who were sentenced on July 13th, 2008 for five to seven years imprisonment (BCHR REF: 08071301) and who will be brought before court of appeal on September 14th, 2008:

Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment in Bahrain

1. Introduction

In May 2008 the United Nations Human Rights Council considered the human rights record of Bahrain through its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism, and it is useful to briefly examine the submissions to and outcomes from that process. REDRESS, together with the World Organisation Against Torture and the National Committee of Martyrs and Victims of Torture submitted a Written Statement to the UPR,1 and this presentation follows from that Statement. It focuses on the Bahrain authorities’ failure to ensure that allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment are fully investigated and perpetrators prosecuted, and to afford survivors of torture and their families a remedy and reparation for the harm suffered.

110th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 619
Expressing support for a constructive dialogue on human rights issues between the United States and Bahrain.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 22, 2008
Mr. SESSIONS (for himself and Mr. COLEMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

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RESOLUTION

Bargaining Economic and Social Services against Civil Rights!
Oppression and Restrictions is not the Right Solution for the Escalating Unrest
Bahrain Center for Human Rights

26 July 2008

The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) is highly alerted for the recent escalation in political and security tension leading to more restriction on basic freedoms and violations of civil, political, economic and social rights. Most restrictions and violations are directed against Shia individuals, groups and villages. The BCHR has occasionally warned that restrictive and sectarian policies would lead to more disturbance and unrest.