(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Since the start of Bahrain’s political crisis in mid-February 2011, when thousands of Bahrainis took to the streets to demand political reforms, Human Rights Watch has reported on an alarming trend of attacks by Bahraini army and security forces against medical workers, medical institutions, and patients suspected of participating in protests. Violations include attacks on medical providers at the main protest site, the siege of hospitals and medical centers, the arrest and torture of patients with protest-related injuries, and the criminal prosecution of doctors and medical staff. This report documents what appears to have been a systematic government campaign to punish and intimidate medical professionals suspected of sympathies with pro-democracy protesters, and to hinder access to health care facilities for persons wounded by security forces. The report also considers evidence the government has provided to support its allegations that government actions were legitimate responses to wrongdoing by medical professionals.
What: Release of “Targets of Retribution: Attacks against Medics, Injured Protesters, and Health facilities in Bahrain”Who: Joe Stork, deputy director, Middle East & North Africa division, Human Rights WatchFaraz Sanei, researcher, Middle East & North Africa division, Human Rights WatchOmar al-Issawi, advocacy and communications director, Middle East & North Africa division, Human Rights Watch
When: July 18, 2011 11 a.m.
Where: Monroe Hotel Ain El Mreisse, Beirut
For more information about the press conference or to schedule interviews, please contact: In Beirut, Rola Awada (English, Arabic): +961-3-062115 In New York until July 15, then in Beirut, Omar al-Issawi (English, Arabic): +1-646-420-8682 In Washington, DC until July 15, then in Beirut, Joe Stork (English): +1-202-299-4925 In New York until July 15, then in Beirut, Faraz Sanei (English, Farsi): +1-310-428-0153
Note to journalists: The report is under embargo until the news conference. Copies of the full report will be available in English and Arabic at the news conference.
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