Bahraini journalists call for a helping hand and for the adoption of measures to ensure their safety.
(BCHR/IFEX) – 3 May 2011 – Since 14 February 2011, Bahrain has seen a political movement demanding freedom, democracy, and the revival of communal partnership in the framework of the civil movements seeking freedom which are currently overrunning Arab countries. This was followed by brutal security crackdowns and the entry of the Peninsula Shield forces (Military units of 6 Gulf countries) into Bahrain.
Journalists engaged in this event with daily coverage through their jobs at local newspapers, through their announcements on satellite television stations, by writing to Arabic newspapers in the framework of their presence at the site of action, and via effective action through online social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter. Because of that, journalists have been subjected to a campaign of lay-offs and collective arrests which have impacted on more than 68 journalists, while many have received different threats originating from the Bahraini authorities, its associated organizations, and affiliated parties.
Online activist Zakariya Al Aushayri has been killed in detention and Reporters without Borders have released an official statement demanding an investigation into the incident; indeed reporters Faisal Hayyat, Hayder Mohammad, and Ali Jawad, and other bloggers and e-activists have been arrested. Warrants have been issued for others as well, causing some to leave Bahrain, in fear for their personal safety.
Bahrain is currently considered a dangerous zone for press freedom and journalists. Bahraini journalists are hoping for a helping hand and for the adoption of measures to ensure their safety. We firmly believe that any journalist arrested by the Bahraini government could die in view of the current security laws (emergency law) implemented in the country, the severity of the situation, and the arbitrary procedures that the country has seen on multiple levels that go against the international commitments concerning human rights. BCHR notes with particular concern the rise in the number of people killed in Bahraini interrogation centers to 4, aside from the 35 killed during the demonstrations so far, all in a country with a population that does not exceed 570 thousand people.
