Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) condemns the use of violence in Bahrain during ongoing clashes between protesters and police. News from Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior that a policeman has died today and that another is critically wounded, purportedly as a result of a bomb explosion during protests yesterday, is particularly troubling and unquestionably condemnable.
“All Bahrainis should reject the use of violence. It is counterproductive to the greater goal of seeking peace and security in Bahrain, and only acts to undermine efforts to promote, protect, and advance human rights in Bahrain,” said ADHRB Director Husain Abdulla.
ADHRB strongly urges both sides to refrain from violence and to exercise self-restraint. “Violence by either side only strengthens those opposed to progress, and may even result in a setback in the small gains made toward reform in Bahrain,” said Abdulla.
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Update: In light of recent news that the town of Al-Eker has come under attack by security forces, allegedly in response to the death of the police officer, ADHRB reiterates its call upon all Bahrainis to denounce the use of violence. ADHRB also calls on the government of Bahrain to exercise restraint and refrain from the use of excessive force against civilians.
Please click here for a PDF of this statement.
