The political opposition as well as political activism are subjected to wide targeting, tightening and unprecedented security pursuit. This is the first time Bahrain sees the detention of 4 political parties’ secretary generals (current of former presidents). This draws the real picture of the unjust targeting of political activism in Bahrain; where political leaders are detained due to their political views and demands of democracy and human rights.

Al Wefaq’s Secretary General, Sheikh Ali Salman, was arrested late December and tried on baseless charges International NGOs said his trial lacked the fundamental bases for justice. Ibrahim Shareef, the former secretary general of the National Democratic Action Society (Waad) was re-arrested just days following his release after spending around five years in prison. His accusations are related to freedom of opinion and expression.

Two other senior members of Al Wefaq are behind bars; Majeed Mailad and Sheikh Hasan Isa who is also a former member of parliament. The number of arrests carried out in Bahrain since the beginning of 2015 has crossed 1370 Bahrainis.

Today, peaceful protests continue to be banned in Bahrain. Citizens cannot express their views and cannot peacefully protest even inside villages. In the meanwhile, the authorities are refusing to receive notices of protests from organizers. The National Democratic Opposition has submitted more than 130 notices, however, the authorities refused to receive them all.

Statistics of documented human right abuses in 2015 indicated that at least 426 citizens were subjected to mistreatment during the year. Over 624 were wounded due to security forces’ use of force. More than 1272 houses across various districts were raided.

Sadly, the Bahraini authority is refusing to sit to dialogue, it has ignored all calls made by the opposition, national personalities and international sides. It continues to turn its back on demands for national reconciliation and respect of human rights, and it is escalating security options.

It is essential to implement the recommendations of both the Universal Periodic Review and the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) in order to improve the human rights situation in the country. Bahrain must respond to the OHCHR’s statement which was issued in May 2015.

Finally, the National Democratic Opposition will continue its peaceful and civilized activism, demanding democratic transition in Bahrain because it is the only solution to stop crises stemming out of corruption, discrimination and the absence of the rule of law.

Manama – September 14, 2015

Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society (Alwefaq)

National Democratic Action Society (Waad)

National Democratic Gathering Society (AlQawmi)

National Progressive Tribune Society (Taqadomi)

Ekhaa National Society (Ekhaa)