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June 10, 2006

Human Rights Activists in Bahrain seek Help

Attacks against human rights groups have been in the increase worldwide. As more and more governments push towards a global estate of exception, human rights defenders and other political activists who throw a light onto and investigate the repression are often the first target. If Martin Niemöller was alive today he might well start his poem with "First they came for the human rights defenders".

As it harasses human rights activist, Bahrain is also about to pass a law greatly restricting freedom of speech and assembly. The proposed law would ban "any speech or discussion infringing on public order or morals,” leaving "public order or morals" undefined. It would also authorizes allow police presence at any public meeting and allows security officials to break up meetings if any crime is committed. I'm copying the letter sent by HRW to the Bahraini government on the topic.

Let us not be silent! Contact your representatives in your own government expressing your concerns about human rights defenders and write letters to the governments in question. I'm including some addresses, which I hope are still accurate :).

The Embassy of Bahrain in your country
http://www.helplinedatabase.com/embassy-database/country-in-other-countries/bahrain.html

The Royal Council
His Majesty the King, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain
Fax: +973-17664587

Crown Prince Council
Sheikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain
Fax: +973-17664587

June 27, 2007

Bahrain - Fears of attack on Peaceful demonstration

We've received the following letter from a Bahraini human rights organization that is organizing a protest, which they fear will be repressed by government forces. They are asking for help and suggestions on what they can do. If anyone can help them, please e-mail them.

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Subject: Urgent on Bahrain- Warning of Possible Attack on Peaceful Demonstration June 30th, 2007

Dear friends,

Prominent figures and human rights activists have called for a demonstration to the UN office in Bahrain on June 30. The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) is concerned that this protest could be subjected to the use of excessive force by the Special Force, as happened in many recent incidents and could lead to injuries and the arrest and detention of participants.

This demonstration comes as a part of popular anger and protest because the prime Minister of Bahrain, who has been in post for more than 35 years and will known for corruption and oppression is going to receive an award on July 2, 2007 by the UN Secretary General in a ceremony at the meeting of the Economic and Social Council in Geneva. The award is insiated by the "United Nations Human Settlements Programme"and is related to " achievements in human settlements".

In regard to this issue, a letter to the UN General Secretary was sent, and an oral intervention was delivered on June 12, at the UN Human Rights Council (please find details attached)

PLease advice on the actions that could be done and what could you do to help.


Best regards,

Abdulhadi Alkhawaja
President
Bahrain Centre for Human Rights
asingace@gmail.com

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