PUBLIC STATEMENT
BAHRAIN: OMCT calls on the international community to urge Bahrain to put an end to the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations
Geneva, 21 March 2011. The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) condemns the ongoing excessive and indiscriminate use of force and violence against the protests that have started on 14 February 2011 in different parts of the country, which led to the death of several persons and leaving many others injured, and the lack of medical attention to the wounded persons.
According to the latest information received, the situation in Bahrain has escalated dramatically. On 13 March 2011, security forces used batons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters who closed down a highway on the same day as a response to the violent repression of a protest by the riot police on 11 March 2011. Since 15 March 2011, there are reportedly attacks on several Shia villages by Bahraini security forces using live ammunition. At least 16 persons have reported to have died. Moreover, the security forces have taken over several hospitals, among others the Salmaniya Medical Complex, the country’s main hospital. Security forces are reportedly shooting at anyone who tries to enter the occupied medical centres, and do not allow any ambulances out to attend wounded persons. Moreover, several patients of the hospital are reportedly being transferred to an unknown place and their patient information hidden.
OMCT has also been informed about the arrest of several activists, notably the president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, Mr. Nabeel Rajab, who was detained on 20 March 2011, and released the same day. He reportedly suffered ill-treatment by the police.
OMCT is deeply concerned about these recent events, including the introduction, on 15 March 2011, by the King of Bahrain of a three-month state of emergency and the deployment of troops from Saudi Arabia after the request by Bahrain to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). OMCT recalls to the Bahraini authorities that they have to fulfil their obligations under international law to protect fundamental rights, such as the right to life and the right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, at all times, even in a public emergency. Security and armed forces currently deployed in Bahrain are bound by the same obligations.
The protests that have spread since 14 February 2011 in Bahrain, spurred by the protests in Tunisia and Egypt, and which have been demanding respect for human rights and an end to corruption, and economic inequality in the country, have been violently repressed by the security forces (see OMCT Press release on 16 February 2011).
In light of the recent events, OMCT calls for an independent international investigation into these events.
OMCT also calls on the Bahraini authorities to
Contact: Eric Sottas, +41 22 809 49 39
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