This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
The report titled, "Bahrain: A Tortuous Process" presented findings based on a July 6 - 12 fact-finding mission. It included interviews with human rights defenders, other activists, victims and their families, dozens of recently released detainees, journalists, medical professionals, students, and Bahraini government officials.
In addition, HRF personnel "witnessed riot police firing on unarmed women without warning with a variety of weapons."
Nonetheless, peaceful marches and protests continue, despite security force attacks, using sound bombs, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live fire.
Human rights defenders are prime targets, facing arrests, detentions, torture, and illegitimate trials. In fact, (on June 21) prominent activist Abdulhadi Al Khawaja received life in prison in one of many show trials.
Others like him express views anonymously, fearing reprisals if go public. They also assume their phones are tapped and goings monitored. A Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights member said:
"We live under the constant fear of arrest. They can come at any time for us."
Another activist said homes and other facilities are regularly raided, adding:
"I still wake up scared. I have clothes ready, next to the bed. I get up sometimes in the middle of the night and look out the window if I hear a noise, thinking it's them again. It's a permanent fear that they could come at any time, day or night."
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
