IFJ Condemns Brutal Assault of Journalist by Police in Bahrain

The female reporter, who was covering the uprising for France24 and Radio Monte Carlo in the of Pearl Square area, suffered severe injuries at the Rafa police station where she was badly beaten by her interrogators. She also bore torture marks, according to the reports.

"We are appalled by this senseless and cruel treatment of a working journalist and we urge the Bahraini authorities to hold accountable the officers involved," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "The brutal behavior of security forces towards Saeed shows there is no end to media repression in Bahrain and the world must make it clear that these gross violations of peaceful protesters', women's and journalists' rights will not go unpunished."

Saeed was summoned to the Rafa police for questioning over her report on the death of Ali Abdelhassan who was allegedly killed by security forces during the anti-government protests of 17 February 2011. She was detained for 12 hours during which she reportedly was savagely beaten up and tortured. After her release, the French consulate arranged for the journalist to receive medical treatment in France due to the gravity of her condition.

The BJA has also called for a full investigation into the allegations of torture and requested from the authorities a copy of the complaint made by the reporter, stressing the need for transparency and independence in the investigation in this case.

The IFJ has accused the Bahraini government of widespread intimidation and systematic harassment against journalists which have already led to the arrests and sackings of at least 68 media personnel in the country since the start of the protests for political reforms.