Congressmen Urge NGO Access, Fundamental Freedoms in Bahrain.

Congressman Hank Johnson (D – GA) sent a letter to King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain urging the King to rescind the recent travel bans placed on NGOs and journalist prior to the one-year anniversary of the February 14th mass protest. Johnson reminded al-Khalifa of his pledge  to engage international organizations and individuals  after the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report, and called on the King to recognize the “important role of NGOs in the national reconciliation and reform process.”

In similar news, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) sent a letter urging the Bahraini government to allow the freedom of assembly and expression commemorating the one-year anniversary. “The rights to assemble peaceably and express political views are fundamental human rights. The Bahraini government should respect these critical rights, and all Bahrainis should reject the use of violence.”

Meanwhile, anti-government protesters headed to an empty lot, dubbed ‘Freedom Square,’ in the village of Miqsha, in order to occupy a site for the one-year anniversary.