Bahrain Warns Other Parties After Amal’s Dissolution

Photo Credit: Reuters

Bahrain’s Office of Political Associations Affairs (OPAA) issued a statement in support of yesterday’s court decision dissolving the Islamic Action Society, known as Amal. OPAA reiterated the accusations made against the opposition party, labeling them a “clear example of trespasses, breaches of law and violation of peaceful political action practices.” It also called Amal’s actions blatantly hateful and violent. The bureau warned all other political associations to heed the ruling and ensure their compliance with the constitutional requirements set for political groups.

Additionally, the Bahraini Information Affairs Authority released information regarding what it called “strenuous efforts” to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). According to the release, a special unit has been created to carry out the BICI’s proposals, which was created by the government to investigate alleged abuses since protests started last year. Dana Al-Zayani, the unit’s head, detailed the specific recommendation areas that the unit is currently involved in, including the reinstatement of dismissed workers, holding offenders in government accountable, retraining security personnel as well as the general promotion of a “culture of human rights.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Charge d’Affaires Stephanie Williams applauded the creation of the unit in an event at the U.S. embassy in Manama, while also highlighting steps taken by the Interior Ministry such as the installation of  cameras in interrogation rooms. Williams called addressing accountability “critical” to rebuilding trust, and called on Bahrainis to come together without conditions to work toward reconciliation.