Democracy News

Jailed Bahraini Medical Staff Allowed Retrial After International Outcry
October 28, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

Since March 2011, the Bahraini Sunni monarchy has clamped down on protestors in order to silence opposition criticism.  On March 16, security forces commandeered the Salmaniya Medical Complex in Manama, Bahrain's capital, and arrested approximately 20 of the medical staff for treating wounded protestors.  On September 29, the medical personnel were convicted by the National Safety Lower Court, a military court, and given prison sentences varying from 5 and 15 years.

The arrests and convictions have prompted international outcry from various human rights organizations as well as from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  Human rights groups, as reported by the New York Times, have accused the government of making "systematic efforts to deny medical services to wounded protesters" in an effort to snuff out political opposition.  Amnesty International and the United Nations have also decried the lack of transparency and due process.

The government has maintained that the medical staff seized the Salmaniya Complex, Bahrain's largest public hospital, and used it as a coordination center for anti-government activity.  The medical staff was charged with possession of fuel bombs, light weapons, and confiscated medical equipment.  Bahraini Attorney General Ali al-Boainain has also accused the medical staff of inciting sectarian hatred due to their alleged selective treatment of patients.  

However, on October 5 al-Boainain released a statement that seemed to nullify the verdicts and ordered a retrial.  While there seems to be some confusion whether the new court proceedings would be a retrial or an appeal, Al Jazeera reports that the case would be reopened entirely in the highest civilian court, allowing evidence and testimony to be re-examined and retested.  The retrial began on October 23. 

While in prison, the medical staff suffered abuse and torture including beatings, electrocution, deprivation of food and water, solitary confinement, and sexual harassment.  Speaking to Al Jazeera and Human Rights Watch, they claimed that their confessions were extracted under duress.  Prosecutors have dropped the confessions as well as some of the minor charges, but have kept the most severe. 

The doctors and nurses were among the hundreds of people arrested after the mostly Shiite protests, calling for greater rights from the Sunni al-Khalifa monarchy, began in February.  While the Shiites are approximately 70 percent of the population, they face systematic discrimination such as a blanket exclusion from military and police security positions, as well as top government positions.

While a wave of peaceful protests swept the country in February, a crackdown by police and security forces quickly incited further demonstrations.  In March, Saudi military forces violently quashed the movement.  Demonstrations still occur with protestors desperate to keep the movement alive.  According to the New York Times, as of late September, there have been 34 deaths, 1,400 arrests, and 3,600 people fired from their jobs since unrest began.  Four people have died in custody as a result of torture.

On September 24, Bahrain also held a parliamentary election for seats vacated by opposition members in protest of the crackdown of demonstrators; an election the opposition party also boycotted.  In addition, Reuters reports a low turnout by Shiite voters.  The parliament has limited powers as any bill must pass through the upper house, whose members are appointed by the king.  Ultimate authority rests with the ruling family. 

For previous news on Bahrain, please see:
Protestors Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Bahrain; Human Rights Violations Investigations

Sources:
New York Times – Bahrain Court Hands Down Harsh Sentences to Doctors and Protesters

Al Jazeera – Bahrain court hears medics' appeal

Washington Post – New civilian retrial opens for Bahrain medics linked to anti-government unrest

BBC News – Bahrain retrial for 20 medics jailed over protests

BBC News – Bahrain sentences medics who treated protesters

Voice of America – Bahrain Sentences Medical Workers for Treating Protesters

Reuters – Bahrain holds vote as Shi'ite enclave protests