Bahrain citizens denied basic rights

http://www.pantagraph.com/

Jennifer Barnes

In the U.S., many citizens exercise their right to peaceful assembly. However, in Bahrain this basic human right is being denied. Citizens are subject to ridiculous punishments for peaceful expression and assembly. In a recent ruling of Bahrain’s Court of Cassation, seven of 13 defendants were sentenced to life in prison simply for expressing their feelings. However, more severe crimes are being given less harsh punishments. For example, a police officer was given only seven years for repeatedly firing his gun at an unarmed citizen. Bahrain has taken steps to reform its government, though these attempts were never fully carried out. Bahrain’s citizens are still going to jail for reasons the government refers to as: illegal gathering, unauthorized demonstration and inciting hatred against the regime. To demote these gatherings, police have taken actions such as releasing teargas into crowds and setting off sound bombs. Police were also given the authority to torture protestors or use excessive force to stop them. In one incident a police officer brutally kicked and punched a woman before spitting on her because she was engaging in a peaceful protest. These types of regulations are major blows to the basic human rights of Bahrain’s citizens and action needs to be taken immediately.