Bahrain opp. parties refuse to accept ban

Bahraini opposition parties have refused to accept the recent bans on meetings with foreign diplomats without Al Khalifa regime’s permission. The coalition of National Democratic Opposition Parties has announced that the move contradicts the constitution and international law. The parties noted that the move will only add to political tensions in the Persian Gulf Arab country. The restrictions, issued by Bahrain's justice minister, require political groups to get prior permit for their meetings and once a permit is granted, a representative of the Al Khalifah regime will attend the discussions. The order also bans contact with international organizations without authorization. The move is aimed at limiting the activities of opposition groups which have played a leading role in the anti-regime movement that has gripped the country for over two years. The Manama regime’s human rights record has come under scrutiny over its handling of anti-regime protests that erupted across the Arab country in early 2011. Bahrainis demanded political reform and a constitutional monarchy, a demand that later changed to an outright call for the ouster of the ruling Al Khalifa family following its brutal crackdown on popular protests. However, the Manama regime launched a brutal crackdown on the peaceful protests and called in Saudi-led Arab forces from neighboring states. Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of others arrested in the clampdown.