…from beneath the crooked bough, witness 230 years of brutal tyranny by the al Khalifas come to an end

editor: There was a similar blast tot he one that occurred today last December and it was met with great skepticism and dismissed by the media and most foreign governments alike. The MOI police at this hour have attacked several Villages in force in a riotous manner. While this is not uncommon the scale and intensity of the violence from the MOI Police is exceptional. This may well be the pretext of a agitation of violence against the villages in preparation for the announcement of the death of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. This would help justify a more intense military style crackdown similar or even more intense during the Saudi invasion of Bahrain last year. Saudi Forces have not yet been reported on the causeway. The International media should keep in mind the treachery and deceit of the al Khalifa regime. Additional the al Khalifa have hired the best of the experts in “dirty tricks” and public relations propaganda. All of this is against the backdrop of the regimes cruel detention of politicals and the “freedom or death” hunger striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who’s condition is unknown at this hour. This coupled with the apparent collapse of F1 team support for King Hamad’s point of pride, the Bahrain F1 is a recipe for disaster.

It is plain and likely that the current invasion of the villages that the MOI thugs will plant evidence, find suspects and engage in wide spread torture of individuals they intend to use patsies for what is likely a MOI staged blast. In these latest developments, it is clearly the al Kahfia regime and the opposition have enter into a new and extremely dangerous phase of conflict. In the meantime the US Department of State has public called for a “humanitarian solution” for Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. Their timing is peculiar. Here until now, the DOS has given no indication or public call for AlKhawaja’s release and it is inopportune that their public announcement of support coincides with the increasing rumors and expectation of AlKhawaja’s death. Giving the US pattern of support for the regime and relative indifference toward the plight of Bahrain democracy seeking opposition, it is increasingly difficult to understand the conflict in Bahrain as anything but US backed campaign of cynical belligerence and active participation in a Saudi directed apartheid and systematic assault against Bahrain’s Shiite. The Department of State must give a through accounting of it actions or lack there of and take a firm and intolerant position against the al Khlaifa regime or it will stand totally discredited at this point. In defense of the Depart of State, they were apparently asleep at the switch when Egypt ushered in the so called “Arab Spring”, it may well be they are simply inept. In either case, their credibility as advocates of “human rights” and “democracy” is evaporating.

While we hope the USG is inept in this instance, there is a far more ominous question of motive that must be asked; Is the USG deliberately agitating the situation in Bahrain for some extraneous goal? Perhaps to destabilize the Gulf as a provocative move to engage the GCC and Iran? Which would ultimately justify a US military response to Iran. Whether by design or by or USG ineptitude, the situation seems to be shaping up for such a confrontation. Perhaps not, but once again the situation demands the Department of State act responsibly and take a clear and unambiguous position in condemnation of the brutality of the al Kahlifa regime and to effect immediate and tangible actions to stop the reign of brutality. This will send a meaningful and necessary message of support to those who seek a free and democratic Bahrain and feel abandon by the hope from President Obama they have been counting upon . Phlipn.

Bahrain: Blast Injures 7 Police Officers During Protest
By REUTERS – 9 April, 2012 – NYT

Seven police officers were wounded when a bomb exploded on Monday as protesters near the capital called for the release of an activist on a two-month hunger strike, an Interior Ministry spokesman said. Protesters threw explosive devices at police officers to lure them into a village outside the capital, Manama, before the explosion was set off, the spokesman said. Bahrain has ruled out sending the jailed activist, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, left, who is also a Danish citizen, to Denmark for medical treatment despite a request from the Danish government to do so. On Monday, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations urged Bahrain to reconsider. Daily protests to demand his freedom have been taking place across Bahrain, which crushed protests, mainly by the country’s Shiite Muslim majority, against the Sunni royal family last year. …more

US in contact with Bahrain over jailed activist
(AFP) – 9 April, 2012 – 18:22PM EST

WASHINGTON — The US State Department said Monday it is in contact with Bahraini authorities over the case of a jailed Bahraini-Danish activist and is urging a “humanitarian solution.”

Mohammed al-Jeshi, the lawyer for the activist, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, told AFP that Khawaja was feared to have died, after Bahraini authorities rejected repeated requests by Jeshi and his family to visit or contact him.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters in Washington that “we are very concerned about the case of Mr al-Khawaja, particularly with regard to his health.”

She added that Jeffrey Feltman, the assistant secretary of state for Near East affairs, and diplomats at the US embassy had reached out to the Bahraini authorities about the activist’s case.

“We are in touch with the Bahrainis and with our international partners, and we are urging a humanitarian solution,” Nuland said.

Jeshi, who spoke by telephone to AFP in Dubai, said the last time he contacted Khawaja was on Saturday, a day after he was moved from the interior ministry hospital into a military hospital in Manama.

Khawaja, a Shiite who was condemned with other opposition activists to life in jail over an alleged plot to topple the Sunni monarchy during a month-long protest a year ago, began a hunger strike on the night of February 8-9.

Denmark has asked Bahrain to send Khawaja, who is also a Danish citizen, to the Scandinavian country. Bahrain’s official news agency BNA reported Sunday that Manama had turned down the request. ..source

Queen invites ruler of Bahrain’s bloody regime to her Jubilee lunch at Windsor Castle because ‘it’s very rude to leave anyone off the list’ By Katie Nicholl and Jonathan Petre – 7 April 2012 – UK Mail Online

Human Rights Defender, Saeed Yousuf Al Muhafda bottom right documents victim of systematic rape by Bahrain MOI Agents in Sanabis March, 2012

The country’s despotic rulers were accused of using brute force and torture to crush the protests last year, which saw more than 50 civilians killed and thousands arrested. The Bahrain royal family has direct control of the police, army and security services.

The king’s son, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, was last year invited to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton but pulled out at the last minute in a move that spared the couple from potential embarrassment. Human rights activists had threatened to disrupt Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s stay in London, insisting he was the chief architect of the crackdown.

In January, the Countess of Wessex came under pressure to return lavish jewels given to her by the Bahrain royal family during a pre-Christmas visit to the country.
Despot: The English-educated King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, leaves Number 10 Downing Street in December last year

Despot: The English-educated King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, leaves Number 10 Downing Street in December last year

One set of jewels came from the king and another from the prime minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the king’s uncle. The crown prince gave her a silver and pearl cup and her husband, the Earl of Wessex, received a silk rug.

Continuing unrest on the streets of Bahrain has also led to calls for this month’s Formula 1 race there to be cancelled, with critics including ex-world champion Damon Hill. One protester was shot dead last week when riot police used tear gas and live bullets against demonstrators.

Buckingham Palace aides said yesterday that the King of Bahrain had not yet confirmed that he will attend the Diamond Jubilee lunch, which will take place at Windsor on May 18 and which will be a historic and intimate gathering of crowned heads.

During the Golden Jubilee the Queen hosted a party for the sovereigns of Europe, but this is a much wider gathering of reigning monarchs from around the world.

Palace aides said the luncheon would tie in with the ‘Big Lunch’ theme of the Jubilee celebrations which encourages the British public to organise street meals around the country to celebrate.

Prince Charles has organised a dinner on the same evening at Buckingham Palace as a personal ‘thank you’ to his mother, who will celebrate her 60 years on the Throne with a weekend of celebrations in June.

While the Prince’s dinner is expected to be an elaborate affair, and is likely to be organised by his former valet Michael Fawcett, who now runs a catering business, the Queen’s lunch will be catered ‘in house’ and may be staged in the gardens of Windsor Castle.

Aides said it was the Queen’s idea to host the lunch and she was ‘delighted’ when Prince Charles offered to throw a dinner. It is understood that the reigning heads of Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands and Norway will all attend the lunch.

Crowned heads from further afield are expected to include the Emperor of Japan, the King of Tonga and rulers from the Middle Eastern kingdoms including President Khalifa bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, the Sultan of Brunei, Sheikh Ahmad Hmoud Al-Sabah of Kuwait and the Emir of Qatar.
…more

Mon, 9 Apr 2012, 13:31 GMT+3 – Bahrain

The lawyer of jailed Bahraini activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja told the AFP news agency there were fears his client may have died, after authorities turned down repeated requests to contact him.

“Authorities have been refusing since yesterday [Sunday] all requests, made by myself and by his family, to visit or contact al-Khawaja,” Mohammed al-Jeshi, his lawyer, told AFP.

“We fear that he might have passed away as there is no excuse for them to prevent us from visiting or contacting him,” he said, adding that no information was available on Khawaja’s health.

Jeshi said the last time he contacted Khawaja was on Saturday, a day after he was moved from the interior ministry hospital into a military hospital in Manama. [AFP] …source

Protest in Lebanon over jailed Bahraini activist on hunger strike
9 April, 2012 – The Daily Star

BEIRUT: Dozens of people protested in front of the Bahraini consul-general’s residence in Hamra Monday in solidarity with imprisoned Bahraini activist Abdullah al-Khawaja, who has been on a hunger strike for two months.

Organized by the Palestinian Human Rights Foundation [Monitor], the protesters voiced their concerns over the health of Khawaja, a leading activist in the ongoing protests against the ruling family in Manama, holding the Bahraini government responsible for his deteriorating condition.

On Sunday, Bahrain ruled out extraditing the dual Bahraini-Danish national to Denmark, according to Reuters.

Khawaja, who was transferred to a military hospital last week and is being fed intravenously, received a life sentence on charges of treason last year along with 13 other activists.

Bahraini activists have rallied support for Khawaja on social media outlets. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have also asked for his release.

During the protest Monday, the administrative director of Monitor said that Khawaja was “engaging in this battle on behalf of the honorable defenders of dignity and freedom.”

In a statement, the organization called on the international community and in particular the Danish government to intervene immediately to release Khawaja.

Over 5,000 demonstrators took to the streets Saturday near Manama demanding the release of Khawaja but were met with riot police. Anti-government activists claim charges against Khawaja are fabricated.

In February of last year, protests by Bahrainis calling for reform were crushed by the government. Bahrain accused Iran of fueling the protests. Tehran denied the allegations.

Recent weeks have seen a renewal of large-scale protests. Last month, thousands of Bahrainis demonstrated near Manama to demand democratic reform.
…more

President Obama, Secretary Clinton, Prime Minister Cameron, US Congress, Members of Parliament, as the enablers of the al Khalifa regime brutality and apartheid, you bear great responsibility for the crimes King Hamad directs against the people of Bahrain.

A Question of Human Rights: Keeping the F1 Racing Series Out of Bahrain
Dave Zirin- 9 April, 2012 – The National

On April 22nd, the royal family of Bahrain is determined to stage its annual Formula 1 Grand Prix race. This might not sound like scintillating news, but whether the event goes off as planned is a question with major ramifications for the royal Khalifa family, as well as for the democracy movement in the Gulf kingdom. It will also be viewed closely by the US state department and human rights organizations across the globe. From a renowned prisoner on a two month hunger strike to a British billionaire fascist sympathizer, the sides have been sharply drawn.

For the Bahraini royals, staging the Formula 1 race is a chance to show the people that normalcy has returned following last year’s massive pro-democracy protests. In 2011, the race was cancelled to the rage of the royals. Now, the royal family is hoping that the 60 people slaughtered by Bahraini and Saudi forces, as well as the thousands arrested and tortured can be forgotten in the roar of the engines.

For those protesting in the name of expanded political and personal freedoms, the return of the F1 racing series as a slap in the face, given all they’ve suffered in the last year and continue to suffer today. Now the protest movement and human rights organizations are calling upon Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula 1 Grand Prix, to cancel the race.

Maryam al-Khawaja, head of the foreign relations office at the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, said:

“The government promised changes last year but no changes have taken place because there is no incentive to make them. And tortures are still taking place. The government want the message to go out that it is business as usual. But today armored vehicles went into residential areas for the first time since last year’s martial law ended in June. I have heard reports of protesters being thrown from rooftops and others having legs broken. That it is why Formula One should make a stand and call this race off.”

At a mass anti-F1 rally, Ali Mohammed commented to the AP, “We don’t want Formula [1] in our country. They are killing us every day with tear gas. They have no respect for human rights or democracy. Why would we keep silent? No one will enjoy the F1 in Bahrain with cries for freedom from the inside and outside of the race.”

Then there is prominent activist, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who has been on hunger strike for more than 50 days. Calls for his immediate release have merged with calls for the F1 cancellation. Protesters are described as holding al-Khawaja’s picture in one hand, and a “no to F1” sign in the other.

1996 F1 champion Damon Hill of the UK, who is now a commentator for Sky News also expressed his concern, saying, “It would be a bad state of affairs, and bad for Formula One, to be seen to be enforcing martial law in order to hold the race. That is not what this sport should be about. Looking at it today you’d have to say that [the race] could be creating more problems than it’s solving.” …more

Teams preparing for Bahrain cancellation
8 April 2012 – Ryan Wood – The F1 Times

Formula 1 teams are putting together their own contingency plans in the event the Bahrain Grand Prix doesn’t go ahead on April 22nd as is currently planned.

The race is shrouded in controversy as anti-government protests continue, with reports of further deaths in the country and fears that protesters may use the islands largest sporting event to voice their opinions.

The government has attempted to calm such fears with various statements claiming that things are returning to normal, but promises that safety can’t be guaranteed, haven’t done much to alleviate such concerns.

A report claims the teams have issued their employees with two sets of tickets; one to fly straight from China to Bahrain, the other to return to their respective countries of residence.

Team principals from all 12 teams are to meet with the FIA during the Chinese GP weekend to discuss the matter further.

With the teams now doubting that the race will go ahead, and fresh warnings that safety cannot be guaranteed – the latest coming from the February 14th Youth Coalition which organises protests – pressure is growing on the governing body to cancel the event.

However the FIA says it has been assured by the relevant authorities that safety isn’t a concern, but they would continue to monitor the situation before making a final decision.

“The FIA is constantly monitoring and evaluating the situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” an FIA spokesman was quoted as saying by Reuters.

“We are in daily touch with the highest authorities, the main European embassies and of course the local promoters at BIC (Bahrain International Circuit) as well as the international promoter.

“The FIA is the guarantor of the safety at the race event and relies, as it does in every other country, on the local authorities to guarantee security. In this respect we have been repeatedly assured by the highest authorities in Bahrain that all security matters are under control.”
…more

editor: take notice of the headline, “Bahrain youth group targets Formula 1”, February 14th Youth Coalition, said it would not be able to “ensure the safety” of Formula 1 participants amid popular anger that would be triggered by the race going ahead. They didn’t target anything, they simply issued a warning. I expect there is far greater threat from King Hamad’s “ignorant ass” police and regime loyalists agitating violence on spectators and participants, than there is the from the opposition. Phlipn

Bahrain youth group targets Formula 1
By Simeon Kerr – 8 April, 2012 – FT

Bahrain’s youth opposition movement has issued a warning to Formula 1 organisers, sponsors and spectators, ahead of the island’s controversial grand prix planned for April 20-22.

The February 14th Youth Coalition, an online organising body for anti-regime protests, said it would not be able to “ensure the safety” of Formula 1 participants amid popular anger that would be triggered by the race going ahead.

While renouncing violence, the statement said the organisers would be regarded as part of the ruling family’s “bloody regime, responsible for shedding the blood of the sons of Bahrain”.

Keen to present an image of business as usual, the government has pressed on with the island’s biggest tourist attraction, which was cancelled last year as unrest swept across this strategically important US ally.

“We anticipate Formula 1 will continue and hope it will be a success,” said Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, a government spokesman.

While Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said the race should go ahead, opposition is growing amid daily clashes between the security forces and young opponents of the regime.

Pro-democracy protests that broke out in February last year were crushed when Saudi troops marched in a month later to back a government crackdown. The regime blamed the unrest on Iranian interference.

An independent commission slammed the security forces for excessive use of force and systematic torture. The minority Sunni-led government says it is reforming but the opposition, led by the majority Shia, says change is too slow.

As the death toll rises to more than 60, Richard Burden, a UK member of parliament, has backed calls from former F1 driver Damon Hill for the decision to hold the grand prix to be reviewed.

“In a context where genuine and sustainable reform is taking place, holding a grand prix could be a unifying event for the people of Bahrain,” Mr Burden wrote on a blog. “But things are not at that stage.”

Protests, mostly confined to clashes in Shia villages surrounding the capital, have been turning increasingly violent. At the weekend, youths set a bus on fire, describing it as a “warning” to the ruling family.

Ala’a Shehabi, an opposition activist, says increasingly radicalised young protesters aim to use the race to refocus the world’s attention on the Arab spring’s “forgotten uprising”.

Pressure is also mounting on the government to release jailed opposition leader and human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who is in his second month of a hunger strike.

The judiciary yesterday rejected a Danish request for Mr Khawaja, a dual Bahraini-Danish national, to be transferred there for medical treatment. Sheikh Abdulaziz said Mr Khawaja remained in a stable condition at a military hospital, where he was being cared for by an “independent” medical team, including a Danish doctor. …source

Gulf Air Hacked by Feb14Defence
9 April, 2012 – AlJazeera

Activists on Sunday appear to have hacked the Facebook page of Bahrain’s national airline, Gulf Air (facebook.com/gulfair). The company’s logo has been replaced with a picture of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, the imprisoned human rights activist who has been on hunger strike for 60 days to protest his detention. Posts have also been made by a group calling itself “Feb14Defence” which posted the following as Gulf Air on the Facebook wall: “page of ‘Gulf Air’ has been hacked in solidarity with Abdulhadi Alkhawaja”.

After Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy led a crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising last year, rights groups in Bahrain reported that more than 200 Shia employees of Gulf Air were dismissed from their jobs. The airline also cancelled flights to countries with large Shia populations like Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, only to resume them again later. ….more

Zainab Alkhawaja on Her Detention When She Called Out for My Father
EA WorldView – Scott Lucas – 8 April, 2012

Zainab Alkhawaja, the daughter of detained hunger striker Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, has been writing about her detention last night — her second in 48 hours — as she stood outside the military hospital where her father is being held:

Last night we got a call from my father, he could barely talk and had a hard time breathing. When I heard my fathers condition is this bad, and know he was being harassed by staff & guards I went to try to see him again….I had little hope they would let me into the military hospital to see my father, but I had to try at least.

As I walked towards the hospital, police recognized me & shouted, “It’s Alkhawaja’s daughter, grab her!” I ran inside the hospital but did not know where my father was, I started calling him. I was thinking, even if they didn’t let me see him I hope he at least hears me, & knows I’m here for him.

Three men grabbed me and pushed me to the ground, but I kept shouting for my father. People gathered & one of the men told me, “If you keep quiet we’ll take you to see your father now.” I said OK.

The minute I took a step outside the hospital they pushed me to the ground, & tied my hands together. They put me in a wheelchair & tied my legs to the wheelchair as well. I said, “You’re not a man of your word.” That’s when they taped my mouth, & took me to a security room.

In the security room, a tall older man wearing traditional thoub came to “speak” to me. First he declared, “I am like your father & you are like my daughter, & we are ruled by a king of mercy.” He then said, “In fact you can call me mercy. Tell me what you want. You want to see your father? I’ll take you to him myself.”

I asked him, “Is this how you usually talk to ur daughters, with them tied onto a wheelchair?”

He said, “You’re a girl, that’s why you have a small brain. Listen to me & learn & obey. If you don’t, I’ll pull you out of here like a sheep.” He said, smiling, “Imagine your father’s face when I tell him his daughter came today, & I dragged her on the ground like an animal.”

He started shouting & banging his fist on the wheelchair I was in, told me I had to go for interrogations now. He called some security police & told them to go check if anyone filmed them dragging me. He said, “You know why we did this to you. We don’t know who you are. How should we know you are his daughter? You could be an enemy, trying to harm Alkhawaja and we must protect him. That’s why we attacked you.”

I replied, “Your men yelled that it’s Alkhawaja’s daughter before they attacked me.”

He continued, “In fact I still don’t know who the hell you are. You could be anyone, how do I know you’re Zainab?”

I said, “Why don’t you Google my name if you are really this unsure?”

He replied, “I dont know this word, only word I know is…erm..Sketch.”

Obviously this is one of the most absurd “conversations” I’ve ever had in my life. It ended when I said I won’t leave without seeing my father, & he grabbed me from my clothes & pulled me to a car.

In the drive to the military headquarters, the same man brought with him a big rifle, which he pointed in my direction. In the military headquarters, they brought men with cameras to film me, one of them looked hestitant & very sad. He walked away. The same guy in the thoub called him & said, “Are you ashamed to take her pictures? She’s filth, take as many as you want.”

I was interrogated at the military prosector’s. I refused to answer any questions without a lawyer. I also told the interrogator that “I refuse to leave with the man who brought me here”.

When they realized the probably had to beat me to get me in the same car with him, they put me in a prisoner vehicle instead. It’s like a cage, with padding, and pitch dark. So dark that even when they spoke to me, they couldn’t see me. I realized this was probably the same kind of vehicle they transported my father in for his miltary trials.

A very kind policewoman brought me water & told me to sleep, and I did for a little while. Then I was taken to Riffa police station, where I was interrogated with but this time in the presence of my lawyer.

A question they asked me in the military prosecutor’s is what made me realize what they were charging me with. “Did you REALLY tell a security personnel that he is NOT a man??!!” and they looked shocked at my crime too. …source

#OpBahrain #Anonymous

Bahrain: Martyrs fall as Al-Khawaja’s plight challenges world morality and ethics
Bahrain Freedom Movement – 8 April, 2012

On Friday 6th April Khadija Ali Abbas who was in her forties, was martyred as a result of inhaling excessive chemical gases fired on her home on 25th December. She was taken to hospital where her condition continued to deteriorate over the past three months. Khadija was of good health and never suffered serious illnesses before.

The Alkhalifa junta is now targeting the population with these chemical gases to ensure their gradual extermination. The number of Bahrainis killed by those lethal gases has risen to around 35.

Meanwhile the body of Martyr Ahmad Ismael who was killed last week with live ammunition has not yet been handed to his family. The Alkhalifa junta forged his death certificate to indicate that his death was a result of misadventure or as a result of unwarranted act by unknown people. The family refused to receive his body until the Death Certificate said the death was due to firing by members of the security forces. The regime is thus directly implicated in the killing of Ahmad Ismael whose body still remains in the hands of the regime. This is a replication of the case of Martyr Fadhel Al Ubaidi who was killed in March with live bullets from the security forces. The Alkhalifa dictatorship wanted to change the Death Certificate by the family refused to take the body. The same story happened with Martyr Yousif Al Mawali who was killed in January but his funeral was not held until 21st February because of the attempts by the authorities to falsify the official document to shift the blame away from the regime.

At another level, the health of the international human rights activist remains in the balance; He is likely to died any moment as his body becomes weaker by the day. He has been on hunger strike for the past two months and has refused to take in any solid food. His condition has deteriorated rapidly in the past few days and has been transferred to the military hospital to force feed him. His condition has become an international issue with hundreds of human rights bodies condemning the Alkhalifa gang for mistreating and killing Bahrainis. Mr Khawaja started his hunger strike on 8thFebruary in protest at his continuing detention even after the BICI report that called for the release of the leading figures including himself. Mr Khwaja wanted to bring to the attention of the world the unsuitability of this gang to rule a modern and educated society and expose the complicity of some Western governments in the mistreatment of Bahrainis. …more

editor: I greatly appreciate the article from Cuba News Agency below. Sadly Cuba’s own prisons are haunted by ghosts of Politicals who have died in hunger strike seeking freedom. Its time for the Castro regime to rethink its own commitment to Human Rights. It also share some great accomplishments with regard to human rights; medicine, literacy, anti-imperialism… Its seems all to often it easier to draw attention to others misdeeds than to reconcile ones own. Phlipn.

7 April, 2012 – Voltaire Network – While the Western media resort to every trick in the book to get people to believe in the narrative that an alleged popular uprising in Syria has been quelled in blood, mum’s the word with regard to the brutal suppression of the democratic movement in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen and Morocco. In this piece, Cuban journalist Dalia Gonzalez Delgado discusses the reasons behind the complacency shown by the “friends” of democracy and freedom towards the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Bahrain: the silenced revolt
Cuban Agency News – Dalia Gonzalez Delgado – 7 APril, 2012

Who has heard anything concrete about the protests in Bahrain? Very few people, no doubt. Not because it is a small country, but because in the contemporary world, what doesn’t appear in the media virtually does not exist. The same media which is exacerbating what is occurring in Syria is silent when it comes to passing judgment on allies of the United States. In this case, the ally being the monarchy of King Al Khalifa.

If there is any reference to the conflict in Bahrain in the media, it is reduced to a confrontation between Shiites and Sunnis. Although 70% of the country’s inhabitants are Shiite and the other 30% Sunni – the branch of Islam professed by the ruling dynasty – the essence of the protest in this country is neither sectarian nor religious.

For more than 12 months, the demonstrations in Bahrain have focused on demands linked to work, fighting poverty and social improvements. The perspective is a secular and peaceful one. “Not Shiites or Sunnis, but Bahrainis,” is the central slogan.

The reaction of authorities has been one of brutal repression. February 14, 2011 will be remembered as the day on which Saudi Arabian troops invaded Bahrain via an elevated highway linking the two countries, to “help” crush the uprising.

Police have fired live rounds at demonstrators, and have used clubs and teargas. According to witnesses, cruelty has reached the point that wounded protestors have been unable to get to hospitals for treatment.

Due to the evident lack of information, it is difficult to obtain any clear idea of what is taking place.

Why has this case not been discussed in the UN Security Council? Why has the Arab League not sent in a team of observers? Why is there no demand for Al Kalifa to step down, as is the case with Bashar al-Assad of Syria?

Analyst Pepe Escobar states that there was a tacit agreement between the House of Saud and the White House, along the lines of, “You invade Bahrain, we’ll give you an Arab resolution which will allow you to go to the UN and then launch the NATO humanitarian bombing of Libya.”

Two UN diplomatic sources confirmed this to Asia Times Online, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave the go-ahead for the Saudi invasion of Bahrain.

This is another clear example of the U.S. policy of double standards, or ‘do what I say and not what I do.’

Maryam al-Khawaja, an activist and director of the Bahrain Human Rights Center’s Foreign Relations Department, has attacked Western governments for selling arms to Bahrain.

During the last 10 years, U.S. sales of military equipment to the country have risen to $1.4 billion. In addition, Bahrain is in receipt of an International Military and Education Training program (IMET) and signed an agreement for $53 million in arms sales.

Why is such a small island so important to Washington?

In 2002, the U.S. giant designated the kingdom “a very important non-NATO ally.” At the same time, in March of 2008, the Al Khalifa regime became the first Arab country to conduct joint naval maneuvers with the United States. It is not coincidental that the U.S. 5th Fleet is based in Bahrain and will be the hub of any future U.S. military action in the Gulf. It has already given logistical support as a base in the Iraqi wars, and to missions in Afghanistan.

Simply stated, the United States cannot afford to lose Bahrain. …source

Yesterday, Damon Hill urged F1 bosses to rethink plans to hold this month’s Bahrain race. As detained activist Abdulhadi Al Khawaja nears the 60th day of his hunger strike, John Lubbock provides a devastating account of the regime’s ongoing abuses and denounces the UK’s tacit support and complicity. Unless we act fast, he warns, disaster awaits.

F1 urged to rethink Bahrain GP, as hunger striker nears death
John Lubbock – 6 APril, 2012 – CeaseFire

Yesterday’s media reports, suggesting that former Formula One world champion Damon Hill had changed his mind about the wisdom of bringing F1 back to Bahrain this month, after a year of unrest and human rights abuses, were yet another reminder that the Bahraini Spring was far from over. Hill was invited by the Bahrainis a few months ago so they could show him how everything was fine again, and he seemed to agree with them. Now after reading the latest reports, he has voiced fresh concern and said the Formula 1 authorities should think again.

The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix race, scheduled for 22 April, probably won’t get cancelled at such short notice, but if it goes ahead, there will likely be widescale repression going on behind the scenes to stop protesters getting anywhere near the racetrack. If anyone is killed as a result, it will be big news and bad for all Bahrainis. There is nothing in this to gloat about, but the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights has been warning of the possible consequences of holding the race since last year, and quite apart from this factor, it is just not right that a big international event should ignore ongoing human rights abuses and reward a dictator with such an important economic boon.

When I wrote an article with BCHR President Nabeel Rajab for The Guardian with our claims that staff at the Formula 1 circuit had been tortured on the premises by the chief of security, a PR firm immediately threatened legal action. We proved the claims to the satisfaction of The Guardian’s legal team and the PR firm backed down. It was yet another cowardly example of Bahrain’s rulers using their power to cow dissenting voices into silence. How many people did not give evidence to the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry because they were threatened?

Bahrain’s government keeps on repeating its mantra that “reform” is taking place, that things will take time, but that things are getting better. They claimed that there were no more cases of torture after the publication of the BICI report. And yet, two people died from torture in January alone. The Foreign Minister has said ‘there is no political prisoner in Bahrain’, despite Abdulhadi Alkhawaja being on hunger-strike to protest his life sentence for 57 days now. If he dies, Bahrainis will take to the streets and there will surely be widespread violence, both from frustrated youths and from the security forces. …more

Bahrain revolution defies repression
30 March, 2012 – By Tony Iltis

On March 14 last year, four days before the NATO intervention in Libya, there was a less publicised Western-supported military intervention. A Saudi-led force invaded Bahrain to put down democracy protests against that country’s absolute monarchy.

Despite the repression, fresh protests have broken out. Press TV said on March 27 that thousands of Bahrainis rallied calling for the overthrow of King Hamad bin Isa and his Al Khalifa dynasty.

The protests were at the funeral of Ahmad Abdul Nabi, killed by tear gas at an earlier demonstration. Deaths through tear gas inhalation are common in Saudi-occupied Bahrain.

On March 26, the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights released a report documenting human rights violations since the publication of the Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) last November 2011.

The report is a grim catalogue of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture and excessive use of force, political imprisonment and trials, religious discrimination, kidnappings, politically motivated sackings and harassment of the media.

On March 22, Al-Manar TV reported that Bahraini security forces kidnapped, beat and raped 16-year-old Ali Al-Sankees “due to his refusal to work with the Bahraini forces as an informant”.

Western media has echoed the Bahraini monarchy in characterising the opposition as a sectarian Shiite movement. Bahrain’s ruling elite is drawn from the Sunni minority and the Shiite majority face discrimination.

However, a representative of the Coalition of February 14th Youth told Jadaliyya.com on March 22: “This is a big lie through which the Al-Khalifa regime seeks to mislead international public opinion … The first political prisoner since the revolution started is the Sunni, Muhammad al-Buflasa …

“How can it be called sectarian, when the goal of the revolution is for all citizens, whether Sunni or Shia, to become equal in their rights and duties …

“The most prominent and most important slogan of this revolution is ‘We are brothers, Sunnis and Shias, and we will not sell out this country’.” …more

Bahrain won’t transfer hunger striker to Denmark
8 April, 2012 – Associated Press

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Bahrain on Sunday rejected the Danish government’s request to transfer a jailed activist who is on a nearly two-month hunger strike to Denmark for treatment, the official news agency in the Gulf kingdom said.

Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who is a Danish citizen and has been refusing food since Feb. 8, is serving a life sentence for his role in last year’s uprising by the island nation’s Shiite majority against a Western-backed Sunni monarchy.

The Bahrain News Agency said the Supreme Judicial Council has declined to hand him over to Danish authorities because the law prevents transfers of “accused and convicted persons to foreign countries.”

Bahrain’s opposition supporters have been staging daily rallies for al-Khawaja’s release, frequently clashing with security forces. The demonstrations have helped fuel rising tensions in the kingdom just two weeks before it is to stage the Formula One grand prix race — its premier international event that was canceled last year because of the political unrest.

The government said last week that al-Khawaja has lost 10 kilograms (22 pounds), while his lawyer said that al-Khawaja is weak but was conscious on Friday when he visited him in the hospital.

Al-Khawaja’s declining health has prompted appeals from groups such as Amnesty International, which last week urged Bahrain to free him because of fears he could die. The Danish government said last week it has been “exerting maximum efforts” to have al-Khawaja sent to Denmark for medical treatment.

There was no immediate comment from Danish authorities on Bahrain’s decision Sunday.

Al-Khawaja, 52, is a former Middle East and North Africa director of the Ireland-based Frontline Defenders Rights organization. He has also documented human rights abuses in Bahrain for international rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Having lived in exile in Denmark for decades, he returned to Bahrain after the government announced a general amnesty in 2001. …more

Dear Friends,

Latest update on Abdulhadi Alkhawaja: Urgent appeal: Abdulhadi Alkhawaja may be on his deathbed (59th day on hunger strike) *07 April 2012 23:00*

Abdulhadi AlKhawaja called his family. According to his daughter Zainab AlKhawaja (who was released this afternoon after getting arrested on Thursday night) he can hardly speak, and he can hardly breath. He took very long pauses between every word, as he told his wife about the mistreatment he is receiving from the military hospital staff and the guards. He said that when they treated him badly he said to them “I will not accept this. I lived free and proud outside your prison and I live free and proud inside.” He told them if they didn’t improve their treatment and allow him to talk to his family he will stop drinking water as well. He also said he will not stop his hunger strike and he has told the guards “if I die, I die with dignity.”

According to his lawyer, Mohamed AlJishi, AlKhawaja has asked to be transferred to another hospital because of the mistreatment he is receiving at the military hospital. Read more HERE

Zainab Alkhawaja arrested again: In other urgent news, Zainab Alkhawaja went to the Bahrain Defense force hospital where her father Abdulhadi is being held around 5 hours ago. According to a pro-government website Zainab was screaming “Baba (father)” inside the hospital, she was handcuffed to a wheelchair and taken to the security office. Zainab’s family and lawyer have not been allowed access to her, and she has not been allowed to make a phone call. Her family is very concerned about her well being and safety. Her family is considering this a kidnapping as the authorities have not released anything official or informed the family or lawyer that she has been arrested. Zainab was last heard from or seen around 5 hours ago.

Note: the Bahrain Defense Force hospital is the same hospital where Abdulhadi Alkhawaja had a surgery last year after his jaw was broken during arrest, and where he was reportedly tortured according to BICI report case 8.

Best,

Bahrain: Hunger Striker Moved to Hospital as His Supporters Rally
7 April, 2012 – REUTERS – NYT

Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a jailed activist who has been on a hunger strike for 58 days, was moved to a hospital and fed intravenously on Friday after his health deteriorated sharply, his lawyer said. In the capital, Manama, protesters clashed with the police at a gathering of more than 5,000 people, above, who were demanding the release of Mr. Khawaja. He was sentenced to life in prison last year for leading pro-democracy protests. He began his hunger strike as a protest against abusive treatment in prison. His daughter, Zainab al-Khawaja, was detained during a protest on Thursday in front of the Interior Ministry. …source