Aletho News

Bahrain declares state of emergency

“We say the United States has given them the green light. From the moment the US Secretary of Defense left Bahrain, we’ve seen the Bahraini government take the decision to invite the troops from the neighboring countries, and it’s been agreed to by the United States. This is an act of violence, an act of war, and we think these troops are not welcome in this country. People are very angry on what has been happening. It’s going to deteriorate… ”

– Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights

Press TV – March 15, 2011

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has declared a three-month state of emergency in the country as anti-government protests continue in the Persian Gulf state.

The decision comes as Bahraini Shia majority have voiced readiness to sacrifice their lives in defense of the people’s right to hold peaceful protests against Sunni Al Khalifa royal family.

The government’s violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrations has been stepped up by a military incursion by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar who dispatched their armed forces to Bahrain.

The move has concerned UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who has called for a meaningful and broad-based national dialogue.

He has also urged Bahrain’s neighbors and the international community to support a dialogue process and an environment conducive for credible reform in Bahrain.

At least seven people have been killed and hundreds of others injured in the Bahraini government’s violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.

On Tuesday, military helicopters were hovering over residential areas in Manama and randomly shot at people as reports of more mortality came from Bahraini medics and hospital sources.

Thousands of Bahraini anti-government protesters are still camping out in Manama’s Pearl Square — which has become the symbol of the popular drive for change. They say they will not abandon their ground unless their demands are met.

Inspired by the popular revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, Bahraini protesters have been calling for freedom, a constitutional monarchy and a say in the government.

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Hezbollah: Military Intervention Will Be in Vain

Commenting on Arab neighboring countries intervention in Bahrain, Hezbollah issued the following statement:

“In front of recent developments of Bahrain, featured by forces of neighboring Arab countries entering the Bahraini land, alongside with the use of violence which harvested many as martyrs and wounded, Hezbollah can only express his deep concern and strong condemnation of targeting peaceful civilians.

Hezbollah views that the military intervention and the use of violence against a peaceful popular movement will not only be in vain, but will also complicate issues and eliminate the solution opportunities.

Hezbollah considers that the U.S. stance toward those developments is very suspicious, and reflects the real policy of the U.S. administration towards movements of peoples.”

–End of Hezbollah Statement

March 15, 2011 - Posted by aletho | Civil Liberties, Illegal Occupation