A CALL FOR ACTION

A PUBLIC SEMINAR IS TO BE ATTACKED BY BAHRAINI AUTHORITIES

http://www.haaq.org/en-US/22/ViewNews/34/134/Default.aspx

Over a month ago (September 15th ), the Bahraini Authorities used Special Forces to terrorize the residents of Sanabis and prevent people from being able to reach the venue of a public seminar organized by "HAQ"-the Movement of Liberties and Democracy – Bahrain. One week later (September 22 nd), the Special Forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to attack and disperse thousands of people attending the same public seminar organized by "HAQ" in Bilad Al-Qadeem, resulting in injuries [1].

HAQ wanted show to the public a documentary film about a petition, signed by 82 thousands, and submitted to UN in New York on August 14 th, 2006. The Bahraini Authorities did not agree on such move and targeted the activity using force backing the new Bahrain Gatherings Code, which ban public seminar without permission.

HAQ once again produced a documentary interview about "Bandergate [2]" and would like to share it with the public. The seminar will be shown a 9pm –local time-tonight (October 22 nd 2006) live in five different places in Bahrain (Duraz, Sitra, Muharraq, Karzakan and Bilad Al-Qadeem). Dignitaries and prominent activists will be participating in this seminar which will be held in a anonymous place- for security reasons- while being broadcasted to all regions at the same time.

HAQ believes that holding seminars is part of people's freedom of speech and should not be endangered in any way. HAQ will support the call to respect, protect and maintain this right, in any way possible, without endangering the safety and security of the people. It is expected that Bahrainis will be insisting on their right to attend this seminar, which could be violated by the security forces who always opt to the use of force to prevent people from attending the event. We, therefore, hold the Bahraini Authorities the full and liable responsibilities towards the consequence of any attack by its forces on people attending this seminar in all the places showing the event.

This is a call for attention for all concerned parties (Freedom of speech advocates, human rights organizations, defenders establishments and media centres) to watch over the development in this seminar. It is expected that the Bahraini Authorities will use its armed special forces to ban the activity. BCHR has earlier reported its concerns [3] over threats delivered to activists who have been engaged in enlightening people about the issue of Bandergate in Bahrain.

HAQ therefore seeks any form of support for exercising freedom of expression and association and suggests that measures are considered to address and advise the Bahraini Authorities not to prevent this public seminar using any means.

For further details and information, please call:
Dr Abdul Jalil Alsingace
+973- 3966-8179

[1] http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/arc_Articles.asp?Article=156602&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29188

[2] http://www.bahrainrights.org/node/623 , http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06101300

[3] http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06101201