3, July 2016 Bahrain
In 2011 the people of Bahrain revolted against their autocratic ruler
flooding the streets demanding political reform. Saudi Arabia responded to
Bahrain’s call for help sending in troops who ruthlessly crushed the revolt. A
few courageous citizens continue to speak out but are now in mortal danger of
losing their citizenship which is a common ploy to silence critics.
The latest victim is the spiritual head of the Shia majority, Ayatollah
Sheikh Isa Qassim. A large number of human rights activists have suffered a
similar fate. Protests are banned in Manama, the capital, while new draconian
laws have been passed to discourage dissent.
In gestures of
outright hypocrisy, western PR firms responded to Bahrain’s request to clean up
its image reaping tens of millions of dollars in contracts. The UN’s demands
for reform were contemptuously ignored by Bahrain’s foreign minister who
tweeted “We will not waste our time listening to the high commissioner who has
no strength or power.” Juan Méndez, the UN’s special rapporteur on torture
responded bitterly, “Bahrain is shielded from criticism by Britain which is
building a naval base in the kingdom, and America, which keeps its Fifth Fleet
there.” British arms sales to Bahrain have increased significantly
over the past five years. In another statement of mindless
cowardice, Philip Hammond, Britain’s foreign secretary, wrote approvingly of
Bahrain’s “commitment to continuing reforms.” A shameful act of abandonment by
Britain and the US who put their interests ahead of the democratic aspirations
of the people of Bahrain.
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