GDN:Royal gesture ‘will promote harmony’

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Royal gesture ‘will promote harmony’
By BASMA MOHAMMED
TENSIONS on Bahrain’s streets are expected to ease with the pardoning of 178 prisoners, who were released yesterday.

MPs, human rights workers and political activists predicted the gesture would mean an end to clashes between police and youths – at least over the coming weeks.

Click here to Print

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Royal gesture ‘will promote harmony’
By BASMA MOHAMMED
TENSIONS on Bahrain’s streets are expected to ease with the pardoning of 178 prisoners, who were released yesterday.

MPs, human rights workers and political activists predicted the gesture would mean an end to clashes between police and youths – at least over the coming weeks.

The pardon comes just two weeks before Bahrain hosts the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and is also a welcome signal to investors that the country can solve its own problems, said MP Dr Jassim Hussain.

“Bahrain cannot afford social and political problems at this moment,” he said, referring to the economic crisis that has gripped the world.

Those released include Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy chief Hassan Mushaima and religious scholar Mohammed Al Moqdad, who were arrested along with 33 others in connection with an alleged terrorist plot that coincided with Bahrain’s National Day last December.

The group’s media and international relations director Abduljalil Al Singace told the GDN that others released had been detained since De-cember 2007.

Haq was formed by disgruntled Al Wefaq members after it agreed to stand in parliament and municipal council elections.

Mr Al Singace, however, denied suggestions that Haq had been responsible for encouraging some of those arrested to commit acts of arson, sabotage and violence.

“Families and friends of detainees (who took part in such activities) were expressing their anger at the arrest of their loved ones,” he claimed.

He, however, defended people’s right to gather peacefully and said the group remained committed in its goal to rewrite the constitution.

He also said the organisation planned to raise allegations that some prisoners had been mistreated, with international rights bodies.

Interior Ministry and Public Prosecution officials have always refuted such allegations.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Human Rights Society general secretary Dr Abdulla Al Deerazi described the pardon as a “step in the right direction”.

“The last few months saw a lot of tension which affected the country’s development – socially, politically and financially,” he said.

He hoped the move would guarantee that the forthcoming Grand Prix passes smoothly.

“Bahrain will celebrate Formula One soon,” he added. “This move can ensure no tension accompanies the event.”

He also called on the youth to concentrate on their studies.

“Instead of burning tyres and resorting to violence, they should concentrate on building a better future for themselves,” said Dr Al Deerazi.

“This can also ensure the country’s progress.

“The country needs them to help it progress and reach prosperity in the future.”

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