SHAFAQNA

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) -- As the Formula 1 teams became under intensive pressure not to take part in the forthcoming race in Bahrain, the health of two of the most prominent human rights activists has deteriorated sharply in the past two days. Abdul Hadi Al Khawana, 51, and his daughter, Zainab, 29 began hunger strike last Sunday in protest at the way they were treated by the prison authorities and lack of access to their families. Mr Al Khawaja…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) –Baby Jenin was the last victim of al-Khalifa regime in Bahrain, killed by inhalation of toxic gas as she laid in her bed at home… Martyr Jenin was too frail and too young to overcome the toxic fumes which Bahrain Security Forces unleashed on neighborhoods across the Kingdom island. At nine months old, baby Jenin’s death has shocked Bahrain and awaken a deep sense of injustice and anger against the state. Pried away from her…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association)- Five detainees arrested in Bahrain last year said they were tortured in custody, according to family members, lawyers and an ex-prisoner, accusations that a member of an official inquiry panel said should be formally investigated. Bahrain security forces used methods including beatings, electrocution and suspension on ropes to force confessions from the detainees, who were accused of involvement in bombings in the capital, Manama, the people alleged to The Wall Street Journal. The Bahrain government…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association)- uprising that began as a challenge to monarchic rule has become a largely sectarian movement by majority Shia Bahrainis against the Sunni leadership. As American scholar on the Persian Gulf region Joseph Kéchichian details — presented in partnership with the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism — Sunni-Shia conflict appears to haveentrenched itself in Bahrain under the regime. Two years after the first skirmishes that led Bahrian’s ruling Al Khalifah family to order the destruction…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) –All seventeen were charged for a roadside bombing which injured four members of a passing patrol in al-Aker. The General attorney office said the evidences that proved the convicted people guilty, were lost amongst attempts for providing the injured people with emergency first aid. The conviction comes as another court which was held on the same day, acquitted two police forces which were detained for killing civilians in the peaceful demonstrations held against Al Khalifa…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) - The opposition parties in Bahrain asserted that the destructive despotic mentality has been the strongest and is dominating the country steering towards security escalation amid absence of a real political project. The opposition added that the security mentality is complicating the political scene as it is systematically undertaking destructive projects by ruthlessly increasing its military and security arsenal and spending enormous budgets on public relations. The same security mentality is undertaking revengeful repressive measures…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) - I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Bahrain to discuss issues of mutual interest and importance to our two countries.  Bahrain has been an important partner and friend of the United States for many years and we remain committed to this country’s security and success.I would like to echo U.S. Ambassador Krajeski’s recent congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, on his appointment…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) - A lawyer in Bahrain says 17 suspected anti-government protesters have been sentenced to 15-year prison sentences for links to a bombing last year that injured four policemen. At the time, the April 2012 blast was a stunning escalation in more than two years of unrest between Bahrain's Sunni monarchy and the kingdom's majority Shiites seeking a greater political voice. Defense lawyer Jassim Sarhan said eight of the defendants are in custody, and the others were…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) -Bahrain, amid a Shi’ite revolt, has been deemed critical to U.S. interests in the Gulf.U.S. Central Command said Bahrain, despite Iranian-aided unrest, remained important for American naval interests in the Gulf. Bahrain has been home to the sole major U.S. Navy operating base in the Middle East. Bahrain has been an important friend and partner for many decades, and provides key support for U.S. interests by hosting U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and providing facilities for other U.S. forces…

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) - MP Katy Clark asks UK government about Bahrain , and Lord Hylton here are the questions and answers . Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran, Labour) Q 1- To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his Bahraini counterpart on the conviction and imprisonment of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, Ebrahim Sharif and 11 other activists and human rights defenders. Hansard source (Citation: HC Deb, 7 March 2013, c1189W)…