Saudi-backed forces attack Bahrainis

Bahraini forces (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/191803.html

Saudi-backed Bahraini forces have fired tear gas at peaceful anti-regime protesters in the village of Nuwaidrat as the brutal crackdown continues.

The Monday attack comes as protesters have demanded an end to the Al Khalifa regime, complaining about injustice and discrimination.

There is no report on the number of casualties in the attack.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed their first batch of military forces in Bahrain in mid-March.

Late last month, Saudi Arabia increased the number of it forces in Bahrain in an attempt to further help the ruling regime clamp down on anti-regime demonstrators.

Amnesty International has criticized the Al Khalifa regime for its violations of international law by brutally cracking down on peaceful protesters and activists.

Anti-regime protesters have been holding demonstrations across the country since mid-February, calling on the ruling family to relinquish power.

Bahraini forces surround US Embassy

Bahraini women protest in front of the US Embassy in Manama on March 7, 2011.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/191402.html

Saudi-backed Bahraini forces have massed around the US Embassy in the capital to prevent a scheduled protest sit-in outside the US diplomatic compound.

Bahrain's February 14 Movement has called for a mass sit-in in front of the US Embassy on Friday to condemn Washington's interference in the country's internal affairs.

Witnesses say, so far, only a number of women have been sighted heading to the site of the embassy and there were no reports of gathering there.

Opposition groups and anti-government activists accuse Washington of supporting the ruling Al Khalifa regime and turning a blind eye to atrocities committed by Bahraini authorities against peaceful protesters.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators took to the streets outside the capital to condemn the results of a National Dialogue, saying it had failed to address people's demands and bring real democratic reforms in the country.

The rally has been organized by the largest opposition group al-Wefaq, which pulled out of regime-led national reform talks in protest.

The leaders of al-Wefaq say they pulled out of the talks after their views and demands were ignored and because the talks were dominated by pro-government representatives.

On Thursday, Bahrain's King Hamad announced that he had approved parliamentary reforms submitted by a state-appointed body called the National Dialogue. But Bahraini opposition slammed the recommendations, saying they do not represent its demands or the will of the people.

"The government thought the results were great. We thought they were nothing. There's no fully elected government, no reforms to the voting system, it's a one-sided deal," Reuters news agency quoted al-Wefaq leader Sayed al-Mousawi as saying.

Al-Wefaq has repeatedly called for an "elected government," an "elected parliament with full legislative powers," and a "fair and independent judicial system" in the kingdom.

'US might re-deploy Bahrain fleet'

The US Navy Fifth Fleet Area of Operation, September 23, 2010

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/190000.html

The US is reportedly considering redeploying its Navy Fifth Fleet outside Bahrain, due to its alarm at the popular revolution against the country's Washington-backed regime.

Citing sources in Washington, The Times wrote that there was a groundswell of opinion in favor of the relocation of the fleet, which has been stationed in Bahrain since the 1970s.

Tens of thousands of Bahraini protesters have been holding peaceful anti-government rallies throughout the country since February, demanding an end to the rule of the Al Khalifa family.

"There was talk on Capitol Hill about moving the fleet within days of the protests breaking out, and that increased in March and April as people realized that what was happening in Bahrain ran counter to our interests," one source said.

The paper described the fleet as “a key component of US military power” in the Persian Gulf.

Al Khalifa, which has been ruling Bahrain for over 40 years, came into power with the direct support of the British royal family.

The Bahraini government is being constantly backed by the United States despite its record of human rights abuse and the numerous complaints lodged against it with the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Scores of people have been killed and many more have been arrested and tortured in prisons since the beginning of protests in Bahrain.

Al-Wefaq quits Bahraini regime talks

A Bahraini woman attending protest march in the capital of Manama, while holding a sign referring to Bahrain's King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. File photo

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/189522.html

The largest party and opposition bloc in Bahrain has quit the so-called government-sponsored national dialogue currently underway in the country.

On Sunday, the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society said it was leaving the talks pending formal confirmation from its leadership, AFP reported.

The party's representative at the dialogue, Khalil al-Marzuk said, "We have tried but without success to make it a serious dialogue."

Manama launched the talks on July 2 with the alleged aim of introducing reforms in the Persian Gulf sheikdom's system of governance.

Al-Wefaq says since the negotiations started, the government has been trying to muffle the voice of the Bahraini people.

In a popular revolution, tens of thousands of Bahraini protesters have been holding peaceful anti-regime rallies throughout the country since February, demanding an end to the rule of the family.

Al Khalifa has governed the oil-rich island for over 40 years with major backing from the United States, Britain and the neighboring Saudi Arabia.

Scores of people have been killed and many more arrested and tortured in prisons as part of the clampdown in the country -- a longtime US ally and home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

Bahrainis defy Saudi-backed crackdown

Anti-regime protests in Bahrain (File photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/188541.html

Bahraini protesters have taken to the streets across the country once again, defying the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful demonstrations and calling for the downfall of the regime.

Bahrain's Saudi-backed security forces have clashed with anti-government protesters that demand an end to the autocratic rule of Al Khalifa regime across the tiny Persian Gulf sheikdom, Press TV sources report.

Regime forces struggled to disperse protesters who staged rallies in several areas late Sunday. The nightly clampdown came after groups of young men and women chanted slogans against the Al Khalifa family rule, calling for its ouster.

Similarly, security forces fired tear gas and live rounds on Saturday to disperse protesters in the northeastern village of Nuwaidrat, who rejected the call for talks with the government.

Anti-regime demonstrators also staged rallies in the villages of Dair and Musalla, renewing their calls for the regime to give up power.

Saudi-backed security forces have been suppressing Bahraini protesters on a daily basis since Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed military forces to the tiny country to assist the Bahraini government in its brutal crackdown on popular protests.

Bahrain's main opposition group, al-Wefaq, is currently in talks with Bahraini officials as part of the so-called “national dialogue.” It agreed to participate in the talks after the government pledged to allow an independent inquiry into the violent crackdown on protesters.

But the opposition bloc is not satisfied with the process, saying participants in the dialogue do not fairly represent the entire society and those in attendance are not allowed a fair chance to speak during the sessions.

On Friday, senior Bahraini cleric Sheikh Issa Qasim ruled out negotiations with the Al Khalifa regime, calling them meaningless and accusing Manama of using ongoing reconciliation talks as an instrument to delay democratic reforms.

In February, massive protests broke out in Bahrain, with people taking to the streets and calling for a constitutional monarchy -- a demand that later turned into calls for the regime's collapse.

Scores of protesters have been killed -- many under torture -- and numerous others detained and transferred to unknown locations during the regime's brutal onslaught on dissidents.

Bahrain cracks down on another demo

Tens of thousands of Bahrainis rally in Diraz, West of Manama, to express their rejection of negotiations between opposition leaders and the government, July 1, 2011

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/187270.html

Bahraini security forces have cracked down on another demonstration, despite the opposition's threat to quit talks with the regime if the people's demands are not met.

The incident took place on Saturday, when a funeral for a victim of the regime's crackdown turned into an anti-regime demonstration as the participants marched toward the capital's Martyr Square, formerly known as Pearl Square.

The angry protesters were shouting slogans and calling for King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to step down.

Bahraini security forces attacked the demonstrators as helicopters buzzed overhead.

New footage from Manama also showed an old woman hospitalized after inhaling tear gas fired by regime forces on homes in a district of Sitra.

Bahrain's rulers and opposition leaders have started negotiations despite huge demonstrations held on Friday throughout the country demanding that the opposition reject the call for talks with the government.

The main opposition party Al-Wefaq made a last-minute decision to join the National Dialogue but has threatened to withdraw from the talks if the government ignores the people's demands.

In March, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed military forces to Bahrain to help the regime crush nationwide protests that broke out in mid-February.

Dozens of people have been killed so far and hundreds more arrested in the Saudi-backed crackdown on the protests.

The violent repression continues, despite the lifting of a three-month emergency law imposed in March, and Manama is still putting civilians on trial in its so-called special courts.

Bahrain jails opposition leaders for life

Eight of the 21 defendants received life sentences

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185764.html

A military court in Bahrain has sentenced eight opposition activists to life in prison for "plotting to overthrow the ruling system."

The special security court also handed sentences of up to 15 years to 13 other activists on Wednesday. Seven people were sentenced in absentia.

Bahraini authorities claim that those charged were trying to overthrow Bahraini government "by force and intelligence with a terror group colluding with a foreign country."

Witnesses said that after the judge read the sentences, the defendants pumped their fists in the air and shouted "peacefully" and vowed to continue their protest campaign against the rule of Al Khalifa dynasty.

Maryam al-Khawaja, head of foreign relations office of Bahrain Center for Human Rights, said the court's guards beat the defendants and dragged them away from the courtroom after they spoke out against the unfair verdicts.

"Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful. Our people want freedom," shouted leader of the Waad party Ibrahim Sharif, who was sentenced to five years in jail.

"We will continue to fight for our rights and our people," human rights activists Abdulhadi al-Khawaja shouted as he was sentenced to life in prison.

Al-Khawaja's daughter, Zeinab, who was also at the court, protested at the verdicts, shouting "God is great" for three times.

She was hustled out of the courtroom by security guards and arrested on charge of contempt of court. After signing a number of pledges, however, she was released.

Ahead of the trial, anti-government activists set up roadblocks outside the courtroom and held rallies in support of the jailed anti-regime protesters.

According to Bahrain's official news agency, BNA, the activists have 15 days to appeal the rulings.

Those who received life sentences are:

1) Abdul Wahhab Hussain

2) Hassan Mushaima, the secretary-general of the Haq opposition party, who returned from self-imposed exile in Britain in February after the government dropped charges against him in a bid to appease protesters.

3) Abdul Jalil al-Muqdad

4) Abdul Jalil al-Singance, head of the Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy

5) Saeed Mirza al-Nouri

6) Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, prominent human rights activists

7) Saeed al-Shehabi (in absentia)

8) Mohammed Habib al-Saffaf (al-Muqdad)

The court also sentenced Mohammed Jawad to 15 years in jail. In addition, five activists, including Ebrahin Sharif, Abdulhadi al-Mukhodher, Abdulla al-Mahroos, Salah al-Khawaja, Mohammed Ali Radhi, were given 5 years behind bars.

Al-Hur al-Sumaikh received a two-year jail term.

Those who were tried in absentia are:

1) Aqeel al-Safir (15 years imprisonment)

2) Abdul Raouf al-Shayeb (15 years imprisonment)

3) Abbas al-Omran (15 years imprisonment)

4) Ali Mushaima, Hassan Mushaima's son (15 years imprisonment)

5) Abdulghani Khanjar (15 years imprisonment)

6) Ali Abdulemam, an outspoken government critic known as the "Bahraini blogger" (15 years imprisonment)

7) Saeed al-Shehabi (life imprisonment)

Bahrainis hold mass protest in Sitra

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185149.html

Thousands of Bahraini anti-government protesters have poured into the streets in the island city of Sitra, following a call by the country's largest opposition group al-Wefaq.

The Friday rally was the second mass anti-government demonstration organized by al-Wefaq since the heavy mid-March government crackdown on protesters.

Witnesses say regime forces were closely monitoring the rally and a military helicopter was hovering over the city. But there were no reports of clashes or arrests.

The first protest rally was hold last Saturday under the banner "Bahrain, homeland for all" in the village of Sar 10 days after a state of emergency was lifted.

Al-Wefaq leader cleric Sheikh Ali Salman told protesters on Friday that the opposition was not against dialogue with the government if rights interlocutor and officials were involved.

"The success of dialogue, reform and transition to democracy need officials that believe in it. One of the problems of the past was that many officials did not believe in democracy and reform," AFP quoted Salman as saying to the crowds.

Similar protest rallies were also held in some other Bahraini villages and towns. Witnesses say regime forces fired teargas at protesters in Karzakan village, west of the country.

Bahraini opposition demands the release of detained anti-government protesters, the suspension of trials against opposition activist and a halt to the dismissal of students and workers before the beginning of the national dialogue set for July 1.

Thousands of anti-government protesters have been staging demonstrations in Bahrain since mid-February, demanding political reforms and a constitutional monarchy, a demand that later changed to an outright call for the ouster of the ruling Al Khalifa family following its brutal crackdown on popular protests.

Scores of people have been killed and hundreds, including doctors and journalists, were arrested in the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful protesters in Bahrain.

Human rights groups and the families of protesters arrested during the crackdown say that most detainees have been physically and mentally abused, while the whereabouts of many of them still remains unknown.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have bitterly criticized Manama for its brutal crackdown on civilians.

Bahrain braces for Friday protest

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/184865.html

Bahrain's largest opposition group has called for a mass anti-regime protest rally on Friday despite heavy government crackdown on protests.

Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society says it is set to hold a peaceful demonstration in Sitra to demand political reforms and to protest against the government's brutal crackdown on anti-regime protesters.

The Friday march would be the second anti-regime demonstration since a mid-march crackdown on protesters.

The first protest rally was held on Saturday under the banner "Bahrain, homeland for all" in the village of Sar, 10 days after a state of emergency was lifted.

"This presence in the street is to tell the authorities that we still demand political change... Our slogan is: 'The people want to reform the regime'," Al-Wefaq politician ex-MP Hadi al-Moussawi told AFP on Saturday as anti-regime protesters had spilled into neighboring streets.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Bahrainis poured into the streets on Wednesday to mark the fourth month of popular uprising against the regime of Al Khalifa.

Thousands of anti-government protesters have been staging demonstrations in Bahrain since mid-February, demanding political reforms and a constitutional monarchy, a demand that later changed to an outright call for the ouster of the ruling Al Khalifa family following its brutal crackdown on popular protests.

Scores of people have also been killed and many others injured in the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful protesters in Bahrain.

Bahraini activists say their protest campaign will continue until the nation's demands are met.

US role in Bahrain crackdown exposed

Bahraini army tanks block streets leading to Pearl Square in the capital Manama on March 16, 2011

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/184515.html

The crucial role of the United States and Britain in the brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters in Bahrain has been exposed.

According to the Morning Star newspaper, Bahrain received over USD 200 million in military equipment from US companies between October 2009 and October 2010, which were used against peaceful anti-government protesters in the country.

The arms sales were more than double the USD 89 million worth approved by Washington over the previous US financial year.

Previously, the sales included military hardware for aircraft and military electronics. However, in 2010, the US government also approved the sale of USD 760,000 in rifles, shotguns and assault weapons to Bahrain.

Scores of protesters have been killed and many others injured since the beginning of anti-regime protests in Bahrain in mid-February.

Despite international condemnation of Manama's gross human rights violations, Washington has, so far, refused to condemn the brutal crackdown on protesters with US President Barack Obama expressing firm support for the Bahraini regime.

Bahraini opposition groups have lashed out at the US for what they have described as Washington's double-standards on the revolutions in the Arab world.

It is widely believed that since Bahrain is a key US ally in the Persian Gulf region and hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, Washington prefers to remain silent about events unfolding in the country.

Chris Bambery, a Middle East analyst, said in an interview with Press TV that Bahrain is also "a major banking center for British and American finance."

Britain, which has played a key role in propping up hereditary monarchies in the Persian Gulf and supports the unelected regimes, has also played a significant role in crackdowns on Bahraini protesters.

According to UK Ministry of Defense, members of the Saudi Arabian National Guard, who were sent into Bahrain in March to crush the popular uprising, had received military training from the British Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia.

British officials to be charged over Bahrain

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/184619.html

Some 14 UK officials might be charged with training the Saudi forces who have been aiding the Bahraini regime in its crackdown on protesters.

The Chief Representative of International Coalition against Impunity, May el-Khansa, will file a complaint at The Hague on June 16, 17 against the Manama regime for ordering the execution of Bahraini youths.

According to the report, The Hague has urged the UN to dispatch a team of inspectors to Bahrain to investigate the current harsh situation at the country.

The request is considered as a new step in the legal efforts set forth by human rights groups for the prosecution of the Bahraini government.

Meanwhile, 14 British officials might be introduced as the Al Khalifa regime's accomplices after reports revealed the UK had trained the Saudi forces.

Last month's revelation proving Britain trained Saudi National Guard members came after Saudi Arabia dispatched 1,200 forces to Bahrain to aid the Al Khalifa regime crush protesters.

This is while that the Ministry of Defense announced that it was deeply concerned about the human rights violations in Bahrain by the Saudi troops.

El-Khansa said that 10 lawyers from Germany, Spain and France are expected to attend at The Hague court.

She said that as the organization presented the second part of the suit on May 5 to the International Court of Justice, they have received a flurry of abuse, death, torture and sexual assault reports from the Bahraini citizens.

El-Khansa added that the lawsuit was filed in accordance with the International Criminal Court's charter, the Geneva Conventions and other international regulations and agreements.

Bahrain tries dozens at military courts

Bahraini protesters demand an end to 40 years of rule by Al Khalifa dynasty.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/184418.html

Thirty three people in Bahrain face military court hearings, despite the lifting of martial law in the country, reports say.

The defendants, including two former lawmakers and a female poet, are accused of trying to topple the government and also face other charges.

The opposition estimates that 400 civilians have been tried in military courts so far, including seven people who have been sentenced to prison terms of one to six years on charges ranging from incitement to murder.

The two former lawmakers, Matar Matar and Jawad Fayruz, who were captured in early May, appeared in court, being accused of "public incitement for regime change and deliberately spreading biased rumors, in addition to taking part in public gatherings," AFP reported, adding that the defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Meanwhile, a renowned Bahraini human rights activist and poetess Ayat al-Qurmezi was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of participation in “assembly for the purpose of committing crimes, and instigating hatred to the regime.”

"By locking up a female poet merely for expressing her views in public, Bahrain's authorities are demonstrating how free speech and assembly are brutally denied to ordinary Bahrainis," said Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa director Malcolm Smart in a statement.

The demonstrators have been calling for an end to the Al Khalifa family's over-40-year-old rule over the Persian Gulf country, since demonstrations broke out in the country as part of the wider Islamic awakening in the Middle East and North Africa.

The state-ordained court has already sentenced several people to death over the protests.

On March 14, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed troops in Bahrain to help crush the nationwide anti-government rallies.

Scores of people have been killed and many more arrested and tortured in prisons as part of the clampdown in the country -- a longtime United States ally and home to a huge military base of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

Hague to hear lawsuit against Al Khalifa

Chief Representative of the Beirut-based International Coalition against Impunity May el-Khansa

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/184398.html

A Lebanon-based rights group will file a complaint at The Hague against the Bahraini government for ordering the execution of the country's youth.

Chief Representative of the Beirut-based International Coalition against Impunity May el-Khansa will go to The Hague on June 16 to file a new lawsuit against Bahrain's royal family Al Khalifa.

“An important point is that because the British have played a direct role in training Bahraini police for the recent crackdown on people, therefore it is possible that 14 British officials will also be introduced as Al Khalifa accomplices,” el-Khansa said.

El-Khansa added that 10 lawyers from Germany, Spain and France would be present at the court.

“The Hague has called on the UN to dispatch inspectors to Bahrain to investigate the situation in the country, which is a turning point in the process of legal efforts and illuminating Western human rights societies,” el-Khansa said.

She added that the group needed the political support of Iran and other countries since it would probably stage demonstrations and gatherings.

Anti-government protests against the rule of the Al Khalifa dynasty in Bahrain began in mid-February.

On March 14, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed troops in the country to help Bahraini forces suppress nationwide protests.

Scores of people have been killed and many more arrested in the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful protests in Bahrain -- a longtime ally of the US and home to a huge military base of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

Bahrain to try 400 peaceful protesters

Thousands of anti-government protesters demonstrate against the Bahraini king in Manama's Riffa Area near the royal palace (file photo).

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183997.html

Bahrain's opposition party al-Wefaq says the Manama regime is to put nearly 400 people on trial over their alleged roles in peaceful anti-regime protests.

The party said that up to 50 people have already been sentenced, with penalties ranging from a short prison term to execution, Reuters reported on Thursday.

A Bahraini government official, who demanded anonymity, rejected the opposition's statement saying al-Wefaq's trial data was exaggerated.

“It's much less than that,” he said, but did not specify any number.

Thousands of anti-government protesters have been staging demonstrations in Bahrain since mid-February, demanding various reforms, an end to ethnic discrimination in offering government jobs and allowing political representation, and a constitutional monarchy, a demand that later changed to an outright call for ouster of the ruling Al Khalifa family following its brutal crackdown on popular protests.

On March 14, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed troops to the kingdom to help Bahraini forces to suppress the nationwide protests.

Scores of people have been killed and many more arrested and tortured in prisons in the Saudi-backed crackdown on protests in Bahrain -- a longtime ally of the US and home to a huge military base of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission held an emergency meeting at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to discuss the crisis in Bahrain.

The rights group urged the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navy Pillay, to send a fact-finding mission to Bahrain to investigate abuses.

The UK-based group also condemned Saudi Arabia for sending troops to the Persian Gulf state.

Rights body to take Bahrain, UK to ICC

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183964.html

A Lebanon-based rights body plans to file a case with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Bahraini and UK governments for their collusion in the brutal crackdown on Bahraini protesters.

Chief Representative of Beirut-based International Coalition against Impunity May el-Khansa and 10 European lawyers would file the lawsuit on June 17, Lebanese broadcaster Al-Manar reported on Wednesday.

Speaking to Press TV, El-Khansa said, “We have put a case before the ICC court before this time (sic). But now we are preparing more important case with more evidence to put it again before the court.”

As evidence, the group is expected to present to the court graphical images as well as video footage, which the activist say will show “the crimes of Bahraini government.”

Thousands of anti-government protesters have been staging peaceful demonstrations in Bahrain since mid-February, demanding the ouster of the Al Khalifa family, which has been ruling the Persian Gulf sheikhdom for over 40 years.

On March 14, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed troops to the kingdom to help the Bahraini forces suppress the nationwide protests.

Scores of people have been killed and many more arrested in the Saudi-backed crackdown.

The complaint will also point the finger of blame at the United Kingdom's military for training Bahraini troops to crush opposition protests. “We have [evidence against] the military force of the United Kingdom. We accuse them in this…new case,” el-Khansa noted.

The group accuses the ruling Bahraini family and the White Hall of committing “crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, war crimes” and use of restricted weapons.

El-Khansa, who would take some of the victims along with her to the ICC, predicted that “the court is very reactive with (sic) us cause the crimes are shown very well and everything is clear as an evidence (sic).”

US backs Bahrain despite its HR abuses

A file photo of a protest staged by Bahraini people

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183702.html

US President Barack Obama has once again expressed unwavering support for the Bahraini regime despite international condemnation of Manama's gross human rights violations.

In a meeting with Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the White House, Obama voiced his “strong support for the crown prince's ongoing efforts to initiate the national dialogue,” a White House statement said.

The Bahraini crown prince also met with US National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, AFP reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised Al Khalifa efforts to deal with the ongoing revolution in Bahrain.

"Bahrain is a partner and a very important one to the United States and we are supportive of their national dialogue and the kinds of important work that the crown prince has been doing in his nation, and we look forward to it," Clinton said.

Meanwhile, Clinton stopped short of commenting on the Saudi-backed heavy-handed crackdown on anti-government protests in Bahrain over the past months.

Bahraini opposition groups have lashed out at US for what they have described as Washington's double-standards on the revolutions in the Arab world.

Bahraini people have been engaged in near daily anti-government protest rallies since mid-February, calling for an end to the despotic rule of the Al Khalifa family. Last March, Saudi Arabia and the UAE deployed their troops to the small Persian Gulf island nation to help the Manama regime in its brutal crackdown on protesters.

US media forced to reveal Bahrain truths

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183583.html

The Obama administration ordered the brutal crackdown on Bahraini citizens by Saudi invading forces and then covered it up, UN officials say.

Press TV talks with Ralph Shoenman, author and political commentator from Berkeley, who praises the unfailing international efforts of certain people to publish the truth about what is happening in Bahrain, which has forced American media to print Bahrain as a mainstream issue. Following is a transcript of that interview.

Press TV: It is becoming evidently clear that a deal between Saudi Arabia and the US that you invade Bahrain and we'll take on [Libyan ruler] Muammar Gaddafi - Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is said to have given the go ahead for this Saudi Arabian invasion of Bahrain in order to crush anti regime protests. This was confirmed by two UN officials to be true. Your comments?

Ralph Shoenman: The Saudi regime and the Sheikhdoms of the Emirates are the instruments of imperial rule there - basically country selling regimes they are the servants of imperial control over the resources of the region. And the dictatorial message and the barbaric treatment of the population in resistance and the new uprisings across the region is only a means through which imperialism seeks to further repress.

The organizing of the Saudi forces and [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council [P]GCC force was something prepared by the UK and the US. In fact, it was [US Defense Secretary Robert] Gates and his trip to [the Bahraini capital] Manama that prepared the invasion and this was confirmed in the New York Times.

In the past three months, the effort to expose the torture and barbaric treatment of the population, particularly targeting physicians and doctors and nurses; taking patients out of their beds and disappearing them; harvesting their organs; has been reported consistently in the Irish Times and throughout the US.

Now it is common place - the lead story in the New York Times reads “Bahrain puts medical staff on trial” and it goes into the particulars of their treatment. Bahrain lifts martial law, but renews crackdown on protesters is the article in the New York Times.

Reuters: “Bahrain's Shias talk of abuse under martial law”; and another writes “Martial law was lifted, but the repression will go on. Dissidents state that the crackdown has intensified; thousands have been detained and dismissed from jobs”. Particularly the reference to the treatment of doctors is as follows - “The doctors have encountered beatings with plastic hose pipes, electric shock, and rape and other humiliations such as being urinated on and verbal insults against their Shia faith. The victims are blindfolded to avoid seeing their interrogators who wear masks to avoid identification.”

So I want to say to you that in spite of the efforts of the regime of the government of the US to give complete cover and protection to this vicious repression, the newspapers now are reporting the reality very widely and very thoroughly.

If you look at the report in Al Jazeera today, you will see a map of twelve sites where repression has occurred in response to the demonstrations of last Friday (throughout Bahrain provinces). So the world is being well informed of the vicious nature of this repression in Bahrain and the trial of the doctors and the nurses at military trials are clearly identified. This issue is now a mainstream report.

The reality is there; the mobilization of support from around the world for resistance in Bahrain will ensue and has to be developed and advanced and the struggle of the people will not be abated and will not be intimidated. These vicious regimes are deeply isolated and they are connected to each other as the struggle spreads across the region in Bahrain and in Saudi Arabia and now in Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Throughout the area this struggle will prevail.

Bahrain tortures medics into confession

The Bahraini regime has tortured dozens of health workers into signing false confessions. (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183567.html

The Manama regime has tortured dozens of health workers into signing false confessions as they were put on trial over giving medical treatment to injured anti-government protesters in Bahrain.

The medics have communicated to their families that they were subjected to physical, psychological and verbal abuse by the Saudi-backed Bahraini interrogators while in custody, a Press TV news source reports.

On Monday, some 24 doctors along with 23 nurses and paramedics were charged with crimes that included participation in efforts to overthrow Bahrain's monarchy, taking part in illegal rallies and refusing to help persons in need.

Accusations by Bahraini rulers against medical workers also include lying and exaggerating on satellite channels with the aim of tarnishing the international image of the country.

Bahraini doctors have repeatedly said that they had a human obligation to treat everyone, rejecting official claims that helping anti-regime protesters was akin to supporting their cause.

The accused have been in detention since March, when the country declared martial law as part of a brutal campaign to suppress anti-government protests.

Several rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have severely criticized the Persian Gulf sheikhdom for its brutal crackdown on civilians, doctors, nurses, lawyers and journalists that have voiced support for the protest movement.

Since mid-February, peaceful protesters in Bahrain have been demanding an end to the longtime despotic rule of the Al Khalifa dynasty.

On March 14, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deployed troops to the Persian Gulf country at Manama's request to help crush the nationwide protests.

According to local sources, scores of people have been killed and hundreds arrested and tortured so far during the brutal crackdown on protesters by Saudi and Bahraini forces.

Bahraini medics stand trial

Many doctors and nurses have been arrested in Bahrain since anti-regime protests began in February

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/183461.html

Dozens of Bahraini medical professionals have appeared before a military court for trial over giving medical treatment to the injured anti-government protesters.

Some 24 doctors along with 23 nurses and paramedics were charged with crimes that included participation in efforts to overthrow Bahrain's monarchy, taking part in illegal rallies and refusing to help persons in need, on Monday.

Medical staff in the Salmaniya Medical Complex in the capital Manama were also charged with lying and exaggerating on satellite channels with the aim of tarnishing the international image of the country.

But activists and human rights groups say the medical personnel were arrested and are being prosecuted for treating anti-regime protestors.

Bahraini doctors have repeatedly said that they were under professional duty to treat all and rejected claims by the authorities that helping anti-regime protesters was akin to supporting their cause.

The 47 accused have been in detention since March, when the country declared martial law as part of a brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.

A number of Bahraini female doctors were released from prison last month after they agreed to sign every confession paper they were given following days of brutal torture and being subjected to verbal abuse.

They were also forced to sign many pledges, including not to take part in any protests and not to talk to media.

A freed doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she was forced to testify against some male doctors and accusing them of mobilizing medics to join anti-regime protests.

Her interrogators also ordered her to say that she served medicines "only to one sect of people who wanted to topple the regime."

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have severely criticized the Persian Gulf sheikhdom for its brutal crackdown on civilians, doctors, nurses, lawyers and journalists, who have voiced support for the protest movement.

Since anti-government protests began in Bahrain in mid-February, regime forces, backed by Saudi troops, have arrested many people, including opposition activists, journalists, teachers, students, doctors, and nurses, and destroyed dozens of mosques and other religious sites.

Scores of people have been killed during the crackdown.

Bahraini protesters demand an end to the rule of Al Khalifa dynasty.

Bahraini troops halt protests by violence

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/182777.html

Saudi-backed Bahraini troops have attacked anti-government protesters in several villages near the capital Manama, witnesses say.

Despite the lifting of martial law in the tiny Persian Gulf sheikdom on Wednesday, regime forces are beating up people who had poured into the streets to stage protest rallies, Head of Foreign Relation Office of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights Maryam al-Khawaja wrote in an e-mail sent to Press TV.

According to witnesses, dozens of people were injured after regime forces fired birdshots and teargas on protesters in villages around Manama, including Diraz, Bani Jamrah and Karzakan.

Al-Khawaja says the wounded were shifted to their homes instead of hospitals because in Bahrain, being wounded by security forces has become a reason for arrest.

Opposition activists in Bahrain called for fresh wave of anti-government protest rallies across the country on Wednesday as a state of emergency imposed during a March crackdown on protesters has ended.

"The protests are to be in main streets and squares ... the movement must return to important places ahead of the imminent return, God willing, to Martyr's Square," said a post on "February 14 Revolution Youth Coalition" Facebook page, referring to the site of the demolished Pearl Square, which was the focal point of anti-government demonstrations from February until being destroyed during the government crackdown in March.

Bahraini activists say their protest campaign will continue until the nation's demands are met.

Amnesty International had called on Manama to allow the planned protest rallies to go ahead and stop using violence against peaceful protesters.

Bahraini protesters demand an end to the rule of Al Khalifa dynasty.

Since anti-government protests began in Bahrain in mid-February, regime forces, backed by a 1,000-strong Saudi military contingent, have abducted many people, including opposition activists, journalists, teachers, students, doctors, and nurses, and destroyed dozens of mosques and other religious sites.

Scores of people have been killed and many more arrested in the Saudi-backed crackdown on peaceful protests in Bahrain.