On 17 February 2011, early morning, a number of human rights defenders documenting human rights violations, including mebers of the Bahrain Youth society for Human Rights BYSHR) and the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights BCHR, were assaulted during alleged indiscriminate attacks against invididuals taking part in the ongoing protests in Bahrain.
On 17 February 2011, early morning, a number of human rights defenders documenting human rights violations, including mebers of the Bahrain Youth society for Human Rights BYSHR) and the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights BCHR, were assaulted during alleged indiscriminate attacks against invididuals taking part in the ongoing protests in Bahrain.
“Front Line believes that the attacks against human rights defenders and protesters are directly related to their legitimate and peaceful work in human rights, and reflect a deliberate effort to limit freedom of expression and assembly in Bahrain through violence and intimidation. Front Line is gravely concerned for the safety of human rights defenders inBahrain” said Mary Lawlor, Executive Director of Front line in Dublin today.
Information received by Front Line indicates that on 17 February 2011 at approximately 3am, the Bahrain special security forces launched an attack on the large group of peaceful protesters who gathered at Pearl roundabout in Al-Manama, using teargas, rubber bullets and shotguns. According to reports received the security forces waited for the protesters, many of whom were camping at the roundabout, to fall asleep before launching indiscriminate attacks on the crowd from the bridge that faces the Pearl roundabout. Protesters, including women and children ran for cover only to be confronted and attacked by more police coming from the opposite direction.
It is reported that the police are continuing to attack anyone who may appear at the Pearl roundabout. As of the morning of 17 February 2011, there are confirmed reports that at least three people lost their lives during the attacks, and unconfirmed reports of a fourth death.More than 210 individuals are confirmed to have been injured by the attacks. It has been alleged that live ammunition was used during the attacks, but these reports have yet to be confirmed.
Human rights defenders who stayed over night at the Pearl roundabout, in order to monitor the gathering were also caught up in the attacks.
Furthermore, there are confirmed reports that the Army has set up various checkpoints in Al-Manama and security forces are surrounding Al-Salmaniya hospital. Doctors have reportedly been beaten and prevented from tending to the injured. Ambulances were also reportedly prevented from transporting the injured protesters to the hospital.
Front Line is calling on the authorities in Bahrain to:
1.Immediately cease all further attacks and other forms of repression against human rights defenders and peaceful protesters in Bahrain;
2.Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the injuries and deaths caused during the attacks, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;
3.Take measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of all human rights defenders and other individuals who wish to exercise their legitimate right to free assembly and expression in accordance with international norms and standards, and ensure that these rights are respected;
4.Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders in Bahrain are able to carry out their legitimate and peaceful work in defence of human rights without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.
For more information: contact Jim Loughran – Head of Media and Communications Front Line – Dublin Tel 00 353 1 212 37 50 Mob +353 (0)87 9377586
The following members of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights are available for interview in English by telephone. Please contact Jim Loughran to arrange interviews. Maryam Al-Khawaja, Head of External Relations Bahrain Centre for Human Rights: Nabeel Rajab Director, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights