WASHINGTON, DC – November 1, 2013 – Today, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) applauds the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) for the launch of their new campaign, “End Impunity in Bahrain,” for which ADHRB is a co-sponsor. Starting today, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights will release the names of and charges against specific human rights violators, accompanied by the banner “Wanted for Justice in Bahrain”, until the International Day to End Impunity on November 23. Additional co-sponsors include Ceartas: Irish Lawyers for Human Rights; CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation; and the International Day to End Impunity, founded by IFEX.
“The judicial system in Bahrain has failed to achieve justice for victims in the country, where the perpetrators of serious human rights violations are protected and rewarded by prominent authorities” said ADHRB Executive Director Husain Abdulla. “The culture of impunity in Bahrain has led human rights abusers to commit acts of ill-treatment and torture due to the systematic disregard for the rule of law. This campaign will shed light on the individuals responsible for human rights abuses and make it impossible for the international community to claim ignorance of these violations.”
As the campaign gets underway, BCHR is fully aware of the vindictiveness of the Bahrain government when accused of violating human rights. In November 2012, Sayed Yousif Al-Muhfdhah, Vice President of the BCHR, was arrested three days after the center released a report on impunity. ADHRB therefore praises BCHR for remaining steadfast in its decision to pursue these human rights violators at all levels of government. Given the rancorous political climate in Bahrain, it is imperative that these human rights offenders understand that the international community is watching.
“Those who have committed serious violations against journalists, human rights defenders, and peaceful demonstrators are not likely to respect the rights and dignity of those reporting on such violations.” observed Abdulla. “This is especially true if they continue to enjoy impunity whenever they strike against regime critics. The individuals risking their safety and well-being to challenge the culture of impunity must be recognized globally.”
###
Please click here for a PDF of this statement.
