Bahrain, February 16: Security forces in Bahrain have used live rounds against thousands of pro-democracy protesters, who had gathered in the capital Manama, demanding regime change.
New footage shows Bahraini police using teargas and rounds of live ammunition against the demonstrators who were demanding reform, a constitutional monarchy, and the abdication of incumbent king Sheikh Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa.
On Tuesday, a mourner was shot dead at the funeral of a demonstrator who was killed the previous day in clashes with Bahraini security forces.
Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima, 27, was shot on Monday when police fired a barrage of tear gas and live bullets in the village of Daih — near the capital Manama — to suppress a pro-democracy protest. He later succumbed to his gunshot wounds in hospital.
Meanwhile, Bahraini lawmaker, Jassim al-Saeedi, has urged the government to use live ammunition against protesters, the Gulf Daily News reported on Wednesday.
Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS), however, has expressed shock over the suggestion.
“All I have to say is that thank God, he is not in a position where he can order the country’s police to use such force against citizens,” BHRS Secretary General Dr. Abdulla al-Derazi noted.
“It’s strange that an MP, who has an important role in creating Bahrain’s legislature, is for the use of violence. He should defend the dignity, integrity and humanity of people instead of calling for such an act,” he added.
Al-Derazi pointed out that while human rights activists in Bahrain are calling for a reduction in the use of force against demonstrators, al-Saeedi is “proudly demanding law enforcers use live ammunition to stop pro-democracy demonstrators.
“This is not acceptable and we completely reject his statements,” al-Derazi said.
Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called on Bahraini authorities to order security forces to stop attacks on peaceful protesters and investigate the recent shooting deaths.
Later that same day, Bahrain’s king went on television to announce an investigation into the deaths of two Bahraini protesters killed in the recent tension, which has rocked the island nation.
“The kingdom of Bahrain is a country of law and constitutional institutions. We have a law that organizes peaceful demonstrations that was decreed by an elected committee. The right to express one’s opinion is a right that is given by the constitution and has been organized by the law which we must all follow,” King Hamad stated.
——–Agencies