US: Bahrain Protest Ban Contrary to Reform Commitment

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Yesterday, State Department Spokesman Mark Toner expressed concern regarding the Government of Bahrain’s recent ban on all gatherings. “We urge the Government of Bahrain to uphold its international commitments and ensure that its citizens are able to exercise – are able to assemble peacefully and to express their views without fear of arrest or detention,” he said, adding “We urge the Government of Bahrain to work with responsible protest leaders to find a way for peaceful and orderly demonstrations to take place. The decision to curb these rights is contrary to Bahrain’s professed commitment to reform, and it will not help advance the national reconciliation nor build trust among all parties.” Toner also condemned the use of violence, and urged Bahrain “to take steps to build confidence across Bahraini society and to begin a meaningful national dialogue with the political opposition.” Matthew Lee of the Associated Press called the State Department’s language “unusually harsh.”

Amnesty International called for an immediate lifting of the protest ban. Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Middle East and North Africa Program Deputy Director at Amnesty International said,”Even in the event of sporadic or isolated violence once an assembly is underway, the authorities cannot simply declare a blanket prohibition on all protests. Such a sweeping measure amounts to nothing less than nullifying the rights to freedom of association, expression and assembly.”