7/05/2012

Bahrainis condemn US support for Al Khalifa regime


Πηγή: ABNA
July 5 2012

The demonstrators took to the streets in Ma’ameer, about 15 kilometers (9.5 miles) south of the capital, Manama, on Wednesday.

On May 11, the US State Department said Washington will resume arms sales to Bahrain. Bahraini opposition groups and activists condemned the decision, saying it could encourage further human rights violations in the Persian Gulf country.

Bahrain hosts the US Fifth Fleet, and is among the Persian Gulf countries such as Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates that receive military equipment from the United States.

The demonstrators in Ma’ameer also censured the UK government for supporting King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Reports say a group of Scotland Yard police officers has recently been dispatched to Bahrain to conduct espionage operations and assist the Saudi-backed forces in cracking down on anti-regime protests.

In December 2011, Manama hired former assistant commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police Service John Yates for a six-month contract.

Yates was, according to Bahraini authorities, hired to advise the government on police reforms following a November report by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, which said regime forces “resorted to the use of unnecessary and excessive force, terror-inspiring behavior and unnecessary damage to property” during popular protests in the country.

Bahrainis continue peaceful demonstrations against the ruling monarchy despite the regime’s violent crackdown. Police frequently use tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades to disperse the protesters.

Demonstrators hold King Hamad responsible for the killing of protesters during the uprising that began in February 2011.



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