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In the memory of the start of the popular movement ‘Day of Rage’ in Bahrain: 14 February 2011
Salam- DHR: Call for the release of prisoners of conscience, the implementation of transitional justice, and justice for victims.
Peoples’ will is the source of the legitimacy of countries, indeed, and the people pf Bahrain are no exception. They; indeed, have the right to political participation, and the election of their government in order to exercise their basic rights, as well as being able to hold decision-makers accountable as no one is above the law.
Similar to the other revolutions that took place in a number of Arabic countries; on the 14th of February 2011, thousands of Bahrainis participated in marches and continuous peaceful sit-ins in the capital, Manama, particularly at the Lulu roundabout ‘Roundabout of the Pearl’ in order to call for political, economic, and social reforms. The police campaign against the demonstrators resulted in the murder of Ali Mushaima. Additionally, the police force fired several shots at the mourners which resulted in the death of Fadel Matrouk who was shot in his back, which resulted in the exacerbation of public anger. Consequently, thousands of peaceful demonstrators gathered at the Lulu roundabout in the capital, Manama. After three days, armed security forces attacked the sit-tin site which resulted in the murder of 7 demonstrators. Therefore, demonstrators were dispersed, and the security forces and the army were stationed at the sit-in site. Moreover, on the 14th of March, 2011, the Peninsula Shield force participated in the bloody suppression of the peaceful demonstrators and sit-in which resulted in the murder and the injury of tens of people. Bahrain government announced a state of emergency; thereof and imposed a curfew. The Lulu roundabout was demolished on 18 March 2011 since it is considered the movement symbol. Accordingly, the largest opposition parliamentary bloc, Al-Wefaq bloc, withdrew from the parliament. Notably, all observers confirmed that the demonstrators were peaceful and demanded radical reforms in the country as well as the transition to a democratic state.
On this occasion, Salam-DHR emphasises that the Bahrain government has a legal and human rights obligation to stop human rights violations which still exist. Additionally, the government of Bahrain has to adopt a project for transitional justice, and reparations to remedy the damage caused by these violations with effective measures and the participation of victims and the civil society. Moreover, Salam-DHR organisation renews its call to hold accountable all perpetrators of grave human rights against peaceful protestors. Finally, Salam DHR calls for the unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience.