Bahrain: Nine Years of Reprisal

Nine years after Bahrain's peaceful uprising, both the political and human rights situation continue to worsen; assembly is banned; expressing opinion is criminalised; independent newspaper are suspended; all leading opposition political societies have been outlawed and 4000+ preeminent political and human rights defender remained are held in custody. Manama also continues to participate in the Saudi-led coalition hostile aggression against the helpless Yemenis.

 

Once the nine-year forgotten revolution is recalled: sham trials; coerced confessions; abysmal record of torture, abuse and intimidation; unlimited arrest and investigation powers granted to the infamous National Security Agency; trial of civilians before military courts death penalty; sectarian persecution; travel bans; arbitrary revocation of citizenships, etc. must all be recalled alongside numerous and consistent allegations of widespread violations being inflicted on the people of Bahrain.

 

Human rights defenders, lawyers, academics, clerics and political figures are summoned and questioned on daily basis. The repressive regime often accuse the peaceful indigenous Bahrainis of spreading false rumours, undermining the state's prestige, inciting terrorism, promoting the overthrow of the regime and insulting the authorities; charges firmly rejected by the opposition, which on the contrary stresses its commitment to the paths of reconciliation, reforms and dialogue.

 

After dissolving all major political blocs, increasing censorship over critical media and imprisoning activists, Manama has effectively suspended all watch-dog organisations, which would normally monitor corruption. Meanwhile, Bahrain witnesses unprecedented rise in the rates of corruption both in the private and public sectors. Those in power have seized this opportunity to increase their personal standing.

 

Bahrain's climate of impunity seems to prevail and the democratic space has essentially been shut down ever since US President Donald Trump assured Bahrain's King that in his administration, there would be no strain in Washington-Manama relation. Following Trump's green light, US State Department announced it had approved a $2.78 billion sale of F-16V aircraft and other military equipment, which had allegedly been held up during Obama's administration for unspecified human rights concerns.

 

Bahrain's senior religious scholars or the Ulama applauded on the eve of February 14 revolution, the Bahrainis' persistence to support their righteous cause, saying for prolonged years, the people have shown they are hard to succumb to injustice neither do the country settles in its shadow; hence, comprehending this dogma is the only gateway to resolve the crisis and attain Bahrain's stability, development and prosperity.

 

The scholars pledged to carry on the uprising against injustice and dictatorship, averring that the Bahrainis' victory is imperative because of their righteousness and that they are fully confident in the wisdom of their leadership; the sincerity of their national symbols; the unflinching patience, solidity and willingness of their people.

 

The scholars also reiterated the Bahrainis' adherence to their legitimate demand of establishing a constitution, through which they can freely determine their destiny, and their demand of forming a just government, through which their inalienable political right to freedom and dignity are shielded, especially those related to religious rituals, sanctities and statutes, which have not been spared from the government's aggression.