Human Rights First Urges FIFA, U.S. World Cup Team to Condemn Bahrain\u2019s Attack on Athletes
\nFor Immediate Release: July 12, 2011<\/p>\n
Washington, D.C.\u2014 In anticipation of Wednesday\u2019s World Cup semifinals game, when the U.S. Women\u2019s soccer team will take on France, Human Rights First calls on the members of the U.S. women\u2019s world cup team and the international sports community at large to condemn Bahrain\u2019s attack against its own athletes. Several Bahraini soccer players, including stars from the national team, were among those arrested for their participation in pro-reform protests in March. Many are now reporting that they were humiliated and tortured while in prison.<\/p>\n
These reports of torture and intimidation against soccer players are emerging as the Bahraini government is holding a widely-criticized national dialogue with civil society to promote reconciliation and reform. \u201cAt a time when unity as a country is being emphasized by the Bahraini government as part of national dialogue, the attack against athletes undermines any notion of national unity,\u201d said Human Rights First\u2019s Brian Dooley, who left Bahrain today after a one week visit. …more<\/a><\/p>\n