Bahrain: Schools open doors, students detained and pursued

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Schools opened doors in Bahrain on Sunday 8th September while tens of students remain behind bars and denied right to study. The arbitrary measures and violations of human rights continue to take place in Bahrain without legal or moral deterrent.The Liberties and Human Rights Department (LHRD) in Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society said that more than 100 school students from different ages are detained. Some of whom have been convicted in political cases and cases related to freedom of expression and opinion. The youngest prisoner is 13 year old Mahdi Salman.The LHRD mentioned that a group of minors were arrested two days before schools opened doors. The security forces had raided a swimming pool and arrested 15, including 9 children. The Public Prosecution ordered for their detention for 60 days under the Terrorism Law.The LHRD confirmed that a number of children have been subjected to torture and mistreatment. It also mentioned that 10 children were denied access to lawyers in the Public Prosecution, this doubles concern over the violations they are subjected to.Denial of right to education practiced by the Authority against students is considered one of the most aggressive violations against citizens, the LHRD added, tens of university students are denied right to education for the very same reasons.“A big number of students are pursued by the security forces for reasons related to freedom of expression and demands for democratic transition” the LHRD said.The Ministry of Educations remains silent in the police state that controls power subordinating all official institutions, a situation that is wasting all opportunities for political solution, the LHRD stated.“The detained students must be given right to education in accordance to the constitution, law and universal covenants. Denying this right to students illustrates the Authority’s vengeful dealing with citizens, including children, in attempt to silence the people’s demands for justice and freedom”.The Liberties and Human Rights Department (LHRD) in Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society demanded the immediate release of all students, stressing that their detention is a violation to their right, especially to education.The Authorities in Bahrain had suspended thousands from jobs, universities and schools in a vengeful campaign following the eruption of the 14 February pro-democracy revolution in 2011.The campaign, that targeted the majority of the people, was widely condemned by the international community and rights organizations. However, the regime is continuing in this campaign in many different ways. A number of those who were suspended have not yet been reinstated in jobs, or have been subordinated to lower positions./129