By Mary Casey
Oct 31 2012
Bahrain's Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid al Khalifah, has banned all demonstrations and rallies citing "repeated abuses" of the rights to freedom of expression by protest organizers.
Khalifah has accused the organizers of inciting riots and attacks, as well as calling for the overthrow of "leading national figures." Additionally, he said that participants have failed to adhere to legal regulations.
Government spokesman Fahad al-Binali said that the ban would be temporary and mainly intended to "calm things down."
Recent clashes between protesters and police officers outside the capital of Manama resulted in the deaths of two policemen.
The interior minister said rallies and gatherings would be allowed when security is sufficient to "protect national unity and social fabric to fight extremism."
Bahrain's protest movement started in February 2011 after prodemocracy rallies in the since demolished Pearl Roundabout sparked clashes that killed at least 35 people and injured hundreds.
A government crackdown followed shortly afterward, and thousands of activists were arrested.
While the government has made some efforts toward reform, human rights groups claim abuses have continued, mainly the detainment of peaceful protesters.
Sayed Hadi al-Mosawi, a representative from the opposition group Al-Wefaq, said, "They don't want people to express their opinions, their anger."
He continued, "This will not take the country to stability." Amnesty International demanded that the ban be immediately lifted saying it violated the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
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