By TARIQ KHONJI
Published: 24th September 2006
A BAHRAINI woman in her late 20s is recovering from injuries she sustained after being caught in a stampeding crowd being dispersed by police at a planned public seminar in Bilad Al Qadeem.
Police dispersed thousands of people who were attending the event organised by Al Haq Movement of Liberties and Democracy on Friday evening after authorities declared the event illegal because no permission had been granted.
The woman, Nuzha Sayed Ahmed, was apparently on her way to a nearby cold store and was trampled by the crowd as they were being dispersed.
By TARIQ KHONJI
Published: 24th September 2006
A BAHRAINI woman in her late 20s is recovering from injuries she sustained after being caught in a stampeding crowd being dispersed by police at a planned public seminar in Bilad Al Qadeem.
Police dispersed thousands of people who were attending the event organised by Al Haq Movement of Liberties and Democracy on Friday evening after authorities declared the event illegal because no permission had been granted.
The woman, Nuzha Sayed Ahmed, was apparently on her way to a nearby cold store and was trampled by the crowd as they were being dispersed.
“She fell and was stepped on receiving a head injury, which had to be stitched, as well as injuries to her face and gums,”
said Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights president Mohammed Al Maskati, who visited her as she was being treated at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).
The woman has been discharged from hospital, but doctors are still treating Mohammed Sahwan, aged in his 30s, who Mr Al Maskati said was hit on the head with a rubber bullet.
“His condition had improved and he was able to respond to his family members when I last saw him,” he said.
Another Bahraini, Ali Hassan Qamber, was also hit in the face near an eye with a rubber bullet and was taken to the International Hospital, where he remained yesterday.
Mr Al Maskati said that there had been a number of others who had received bruises and other minor injuries, but he did not know the number.
Several youngsters burned tyres, garbage bins and blocked traffic after police stopped the seminar on Bahrain’s reforms.
More than 100 clashed with police after the seminar was banned, during which police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.
Organisers yesterday claimed they had a right to air their views and criticised the country’s public gathering law, which requires people to obtain permission before holding a public event.
“They cannot stop us from getting our views across to the public,” said Al Haq director of media and international relations Dr Abduljalil Singace.
The seminar on Friday had originally been scheduled to be held on Thursday, but was postponed due to police intervention.
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