Bahrain: Allowing freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is the only way to stop violence

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Bahrain opposition parties are following with great concern the deteriorating security situation in Bahrain, by which the authorities are dragging the country into the unknown. The authorities have intensified the number of arrests as well as the illegal and brutal house raids, in addition to the excessive use of force to terrorise citizens. The courts continue to hand down harsh and lengthy sentences that illustrate the regime’s doctrine of retaliation and repression, while on the other hand, killers and torturers are acquitted.    Al Wefaq has consistently made clear its condemnation of violence from any side, and considers the blood of the human of great sanctity, being a citizen or resident, civil or militantAl Wefaq is following the news of the death of a policeman, as reported by the Interior Ministry, and is investigating this matter in order to gain a fuller picture, due to the lack of credibility of the official institutions who regularly fabricate stories to cover their repression.The end to violence in Bahrain can only be achieved by allowing freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and demonstration, for all Bahrainis as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and constitutional articles. This is in addition to the pledges Bahrain has already made to the international community in this regard.Whilst the authorities continue to practice collective punishment, repress freedom of expression and assembly and use excessive force, it is difficult to envisage an end to the cycle of violence, therefore wasting any opportunity to bring peace and stability for the people of Bahrain./129