العربية
Français
Deutsch
In International Day of Non-Violence
SALAM : Excessive violence is a systematic policy of the authorities in Bahrain to eliminate civil movement
The International Day of Nonviolence is celebrated on October 2nd of every year. This date marks the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India’s Independence Movement and pioneer of the philosophy of nonviolence.
In accordance with the United Nations’ General Assembly resolution N°61/271 of June 15th, 2007 – which proclaims its commemoration – this day sets to “spread the message of non-violence”.
SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights salutes the principles of democracy, human rights, peace and tolerance around the world. Most particularly, we salute the struggle for freedom, justice, equality and democracy in Bahrain. We salute Bahrainis for their hope and peacefulness in demanding their rights, despite the violent police repression machinery they face, as well as the challenges posed by unfair laws which violate international legislation and treaties. We underline the danger posed by Bahraini authorities, which have eliminated all forms of civic movement by closing political associations, human rights organizations, independent newspapers such as “Al Wasat”, and which continue to target religious groups and impose restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression.
The behavior of Bahraini authorities is not limited to gross violations such as murder, torture, enforced disappearances and other forms of repression against those who call for freedom and demand respect of their basic rights guaranteed by international conventions and human rights law. The National Security Apparatus and the Ministry of the Interior also aim to silence all voices who oppose the authorities and who demand justice, equality and human rights.
It is our duty today to reiterate that non-violent methods are the most acceptable ways of demanding rights and achieving their objectives. It is also our duty today to call on the authorities of Bahrain to refrain from using violence against human rights activists and against freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and political opposition. It is our duty to urge the supreme political authority to put an end to the extensive powers granted to the police, to hold accountable all those involved in human rights violations and to open a dialogue with the political opposition in order to amend local laws that violate international legislation and treaties.