(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - “The secretary general remains concerned about the situation in Bahrain, particularly with regard to the continuing clashes between security forces and protesters which have resulted in more casualties,” Ban’s office said in a statement issued late on Tuesday.
“He reiterates his appeal to all sides for utmost restraint and an immediate end to the violence.”
The UN chief’s statement was issued at a time when Bahraini police continue with their brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters.
Salah Abbas Habib, 36, was the ninth Bahraini victim killed by regime forces since March 17, 2012, activists say. Habib’s body was found on a rooftop in a village near the capital, Manama, on April 21.
Bahrainis hold King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa responsible for the death of protesters during the popular uprising that began in the Persian Gulf island nation in February 2011.
Ban also called on the US-backed Bahraini authorities to “fully respect the fundamental human rights of the Bahraini people, including due process concerning all detainees.”
“The secretary general once again urges the Bahraini authorities to resolve Khawaja’s case based on due process and humanitarian considerations without any further delay,” the statement said, referring to the case of prominent jailed Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who has gone on a hunger strike for over two months.
Khawaja, who holds dual Danish and Bahraini nationality, was given a life sentence in June 2011 over accusations of inciting protests against the Manama regime.
On April 24, Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director Hasiba Hadj Sahraoui said, “The Bahrain authorities’ delaying tactics are toying with the life of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who is on death’s doorstep as he enters his 75th day on hunger strike.”
/106