Beirut Hosts the Third International Conference for Bahrain: Ongoing Violations
By Sara Mortada
The Bahrain Forum for Human Rights held its Third "International Conference" titled "Ongoing Violations and Impunity" in Beirut on the 13th of February, with international, legal, media figures, and representatives of different international organizations including Amnesty International, Lawyers Rights Watch, Human Rights Watch and others.
The inauguaration of the conference took place on Wednesday noon by head of the Bahrain forum for Human Rights Yousef Rabee', while the Tunisian Human Rights Activist, Makhlouf Zouahier, headed the sessions on Thursday.
Among the participants were the International Human Rights Litigator "Abbe Jolles", the Deputy of Minister of Foreign Affairs at the International Parliament for Security and Peace "Dr. Haissam Bou said", and the Human Rights Lawyer "Mr. Pete Weatherby".
Mr. Said Bomaduha, Deputy Director of Middle East and North Africa Program at Amnesty International, said that the crisis in Bahrain started since the early nineties, during which opposition symbols were arrested, including Secretary General of the Islamic National Accord Association, Sheikh Ali Salman, there was also the use of violence to stop the protests, and to prevent activists from entering Bahrain.
After the outbreak of the revolution in February 14, 2011, the Tunisian activist, said that the organization monitored the situation in Bahrain and documented the violations committed by the authorities where "more than 2000 detainees and people were killed due to torture, also the arrest of more than 11 children."
Mr. Massoud Shadjareh, Chair of Islamic Human Rights Commission, showed his sorrow to the lack of "response from the international community," which has not been effective because it only gave promises without any serious work, stating, "There is no pressure from the international community to make a particular change." He said that Western governments, including the United States did not provide any help for activists in Bahrain.
The activist criticized the media for neglecting the issue of Bahrain, noting that the coverage of the events of Yemen and Syria was on the spot.
On another note, the American International Human Rights Litigator Abbe Jolles, indicated "I have reviewed studies and reports that mention a particular person who was tortured by a member of the Royal Family". Abbe Jolles said that such people can be prosecuted and forced to pay damages. She stressed that an international team must be allowed to enter Bahrain for the formation of an international court.
For his part, Essa Alghayeb, President and Counselor, Lualua Center for Human Rights (LCHR), confirmed that the Bahraini authorities did not hand over any of the criminals.
He added that an independent body should be formed to investigate in the tortures practiced against participants in peaceful gatherings.
Manar Makki, a Bahraini Lawyer, touched on one case, the martyrdom of Salah Abbas, a man who was tortured and martyred by the regime, like many others in Bahrain.
Makki recalled the police did not even show interest in the case or its whereabouts. "Unfortunately, the killer of the Martyr Abbas is still free", said the Lawyer, stressing that the blood of the Bahraini people is not cheap.
Following two days of deliberations, participants highlighted the necessity of the Bahraini government engaging in dialogue with the opposition to fulfill the demands of the people regarding political and social reform. They also assured the importance of setting an end to the violations and brutality taking place against the people of bahrain.
After almost two years since the beginning of the Bahraini revolution there again appears to be some momentum regarding raising international awareness towards this issue yet in theory. The participants hope this awareness will reach the stage when political cover will be lifted off the Bahraini leadership, and the media outlets speak out.
Source: Al-Ahed news
