Families protest outside embassy
By NOOR TOORANI
Published: 22nd April 2008
FEMALE relatives of Bahrainis arrested for allegedly taking part in riots at the end of last year gathered outside the US Embassy, Zinj, yesterday demanding to meet the US Secretary of State.
The seven women were refused entry to the embassy, where they hoped to complain about the treatment of their sons, husbands and brothers.
Families protest outside embassy
By NOOR TOORANI
Published: 22nd April 2008
FEMALE relatives of Bahrainis arrested for allegedly taking part in riots at the end of last year gathered outside the US Embassy, Zinj, yesterday demanding to meet the US Secretary of State.
The seven women were refused entry to the embassy, where they hoped to complain about the treatment of their sons, husbands and brothers.
But security guards did accept a letter signed by 20 women and addressed to Dr Rice, which also criticised US Ambassador Joseph Adam Ereli.
It accused the ambassador of making comments that supported security measures adopted by the Bahrain government.
A US Embassy spokeswoman yesterday said she was unaware of the protest at the time – ironically because she was accompanying Dr Rice during her visit to Bahrain.
An embassy official later said the ambassador had been misquoted, but would not comment further.
The women used yesterday’s demonstration to criticise police, who they accused of waging a campaign against political activists.
They also accused police of violating the rights of prisoners – particularly after doctors’ reports found that some inmates had been abused in custody.
The women’s relatives were arrested for allegedly rioting in Jidhafs on December 21, shortly after the death of Ali Jassim Makki during a protest.
Police later said Mr Makki suffered a heart attack.
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