Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Bahrain: Martial Law Does Not Trump Basic Rights



All Forces Obliged to Respect International Standards

March 16, 2011

"(Manama) - Bahrain's declaration of martial law and deployment of armed forces from Saudi Arabia does not override its obligations to respect fundamental human rights under international law, Human Rights Watch said today.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa decreed a three-month state of emergency on March 15, 2011, a day after military convoys from its Gulf Cooperation Council allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates entered Bahrain following that country's request for military assistance amidst continuing anti-government protests. Early on March 15, prior to the king's decree, riot police were involved in violence in several Shia villages, which left at least two people dead and hundreds injured, some seriously.

"King Hamad's decree does not give the authorities a blank check to commit abuses," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "The world is watching to see whether Bahrain will respect the basic rights of all its citizens."....."

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