AhlulBayt News Agency

source : IRNA
Wednesday

20 July 2011

7:30:00 PM
254780

Bahraini Human Rights Activist Condemns German-Saudi Tank Deal

A Bahraini human rights activist condemned the sale of 200 German Leopard 2 battle tanks to Saudi Arabia.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Speaking to Berlin-based media representatives via Skype from his hideout, Mohammad al-Maskati said, 'if Germany gives these weapons to Saudi Arabia, it will not only affect Bahrain but also Yemen, Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries.'

'Giving these weapons will not help democracy in the region,' Al-Maskati stressed.

He pointed out it was Saudi tanks which crushed the Bahraini pro-freedom movement when Saudi troops invaded the small Persian Gulf kingdom.

Al-Maskati said Saudi soldiers deployed 'heavy weapons against protesters and demonstrators.'

The activist added there were still ongoing protests amid the continued presence of Saudi military forces.

Berlin has been under fire over the highly secretive nature of the multi-billion-euro tank deal in the wake of mounting criticism across the country's political spectrum.

Germany's opposition parties have branded the deal 'scandalous,' saying the Leopard tanks could be deployed by Riyadh to clamp down on internal dissent or in neighboring countries.

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