News / Persian Gulf

Bahraini regime has increased arbitrary arrests, report says

Wednesday, 06 January 2016 2:49 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 06 January 2016 2:50 PM ]

Bahraini regime forces stand guard during clashes with protesters following a demonstration against the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia, the village of Daih, west of the capital, Manama, January 4, 2016. (AFP)

The Manama regime in Bahrain has increased arbitrary arrests in connection with its so-called anti-terrorism law, a report says.

According to a recent report by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), 63 people, including 18 children, were detained arbitrarily in a time span of one week, as the regime goes on with its crackdown on peaceful dissent.

International rights groups have criticized the Bahraini parliament for endorsing new amendments to the so-called anti-terrorism law, which effectively enables Manama to suppress opponents.

More than 3,000 prisoners remain in arbitrary detention in Bahrain, the report said.

The BCHR report has updated its tally of arrests throughout the year 2015. A total of 1,883 people, including 237 children and 34 women, were detained during the period. Of that total, 864 were later released.

There has been a wave of extensive arrests in the Persian Gulf kingdom in the wake of protests in condemnation of the execution of 47 people in Saudi Arabia. The group included prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Bahrain, like several other Muslim countries, saw demonstrations in solidarity with the families of the executed people.

Only on Tuesday, the regime forces arrested at least 35 people during such protests in the capital, Manama. Police used tear gas and birdshots against protesters.

Since early 2011, Bahrain has been the scene of demonstrations against the ruling Al Khalifa family. Scores have been killed and more arrested in the heavy-handed crackdown on demonstrations.

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