A new documentary suggests that Bahraini loyalists used social networks to trace anti-government protestors during the recent period of social unrest in the country.
By Suzi Dixon and agencies
04 Aug 2011
In a stark contrast to the way in which social media played a pivotal role during the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia in rallying support among anti-government protesters, a documentary called Shouting in the Dark – to be screened on Al Jazeera English this evening – claims that forces loyal to the Bahraini government used social media to find a 20-year-old anti-government protestor, identified as Ayat Al Qurmezi.
A new documentary suggests that Bahraini loyalists used social networks to trace anti-government protestors during the recent period of social unrest in the country.
By Suzi Dixon and agencies
04 Aug 2011
In a stark contrast to the way in which social media played a pivotal role during the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia in rallying support among anti-government protesters, a documentary called Shouting in the Dark – to be screened on Al Jazeera English this evening – claims that forces loyal to the Bahraini government used social media to find a 20-year-old anti-government protestor, identified as Ayat Al Qurmezi.
Visitors were told “write the traitor’s name and work place” and, according to the film, masked commandos then arrested her and took her to prison.
According to reports, Ms Al Qurmezi’s mother said: “This is the first time something like this has happened. Young girls taken from their homes, arrested and we don’t know where they are.”
The film also alleges that many Bahraini protesters are now wary of using social networking sites due to fears that the government may be monitoring their activities.
They say activity in other uprisings leaves them frightened of using Facebook or Twitter.
The 50-minute special was produced by an Al Jazeera journalist who spent three months undercover in the country.
Paul Eedle, director of programmes at Al Jazeera English said: “This is a remarkable film which tells for the first time the full story of Bahrain’s crushing of democracy protests. Our reporter took great risks to continue filming for several weeks after Bahraini authorities expelled international journalists. World attention may now have moved on, but Al Jazeera has stayed with this story.”
Al Jazeera English “Shouting in the Dark” is available to view online on youtube.com/watch?v=xaTKDMYOBOU