WASHINGTON, DC – 22 May 2014 – Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) strongly condemns the death of a 14-year-old boy from Sitra in Bahrain on 21 May, and calls for an independent investigation into his death. Sayed Mahmood Sayed Mohsen died after being shot in the chest at close range by security forces with birdshot while participating in a funeral procession for Ali Faisal al-Akrawi.
“Sayed Mahmood’s death is another tragic example of the Government of Bahrain’s unwarranted and disproportional use of force against peaceful protesters,” said ADHRB Director Husain Abdulla. “The pervasive use of birdshot by security forces has resulted in injury to hundreds and death to a dozen more. Such violence must stop immediately.”
The use of birdshot by the Government of Bahrain has been well documented, including in the government–sponsored Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. In a single day, Bahrain Watch documented at least 11 injuries attributed to the ammunition, noting “a dramatic escalation in the use of birdshot … raising serious questions about whether police are using proportional force and are discharging their firearms only as a last resort.”
ADHRB calls on the Government of Bahrain to end the disproportionate use of force against unarmed and peaceful protestors and to conduct a full and independent investigation into such deaths. ADHRB also calls on the government to hold officers accountable for using disproportionate force against protestors.
“As we approach the 26th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the international community must do more to address the continuing crisis and unrest in Bahrain,” said Abdulla.
الرجاء الضغط هنا لقراءة هذه الرسالة باللغة العربي
