On February 14, 2011, Bahraini protesters took to the streets to call for political reforms, taking part in a broader movement for democracy in the Middle East. Bahrain’s security forces brutally suppressed the demonstrations, killing more than 50 protesters and injuring thousands. Since then, very little has changed in Bahrain: protesters continue to demand greater freedoms, attempts at dialogue between the government and the opposition remain stalled, the monarchy continues to quash dissent, and the few reforms that have been implemented are merely cosmetic. On the second anniversary of the outbreak of pro-democracy protests, our panel of experts will examine the underlying causes of the lack of progress and assess the prospects for political reform in Bahrain.
Opening Remarks:
Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN)
Moderator:
Charles Dunne, Director, Middle East and North Africa Programs, Freedom House
Panelists:
Frederic Wehrey, Senior Associate, Middle East Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Mohammed al-Maskati, President, Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights
Maryam al-Khawaja, Acting President, Bahrain Center for Human Rights
Date and Time: Thursday, February 14, 2013 – 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Location: Room 210, Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC
To RSVP, click here.
For more information, please email info@adhrb.org.
This event is open to the public. Media welcome.
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Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) is a US-based non-profit organization that fosters awareness of and support for democracy and human rights in Bahrain.
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom around the world.
