By Tyler Yates
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

ANKARA, Turkey — A bus carrying Turkish pilgrims returning back from the hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca and fifth pillar of Islam – came under attack at the Syrian border, resulting in two injured and a strong rebuke from the prime minister of Turkey.

Bus passengers report that they were told to disembark at a checkpoint by around 8 armed men who appeared to be Syrian soldiers, but their affiliation is still unclear.

A bus driver and a pilgrim were shot as the gunmen opened fire. They were treated in a hospital in Antakaya, just across the border in Turkey’s Hatay province.

The statement from Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister of Turkey, warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that his time in power is limited. “You can maintain your grip on power in Syria with tanks and cannons, but one day you will be gone,” he said.

There have been rising tensions between Turkey and Syria since Ankara began becoming more vocal against the Syrian regimes brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.

Turkey is one of the more important countries acting as part of the international pressure to enforce regime change in Syria.  The two countries share a 910 km border.  Turkey is currently considering economic sanctions against Assad’s regime.  Turkish officials have also said that there have been tentative plans made to create a buffer or no-fly zone inside Syrian territory to protect civilians from Assad’s forces.

William Hague, the British foreign secretary, said on Monday that the international community will do everything it can to increase the pressure on Syria.  The possibility of further sanctions has not been ruled out.

“The behavior of that regime is appalling and unacceptable and of course we will do what we can to support democracy in Syria in the future,” Hague said.

Russia has accused Western nations of undermining the chances of a peaceful resolution in Syria by attempting to get the opposition to not seek compromise with the government. Moscow believes that the Syrian opposition should shoulder shared responsibility for the violence and should face international pressure to enter peace talks.

On Sunday, the Arab League rejected a Syrian request to amend a plan that would end the Country’s growing crisis.  Walid al-Moallem said the plan “compromised the country’s sovereignty, but that Damascus had not rejected the mission.”

The Arab league meets again on Thursday to discuss the situation in Syria.

3,500 people have been killed in Syria since the protests began in mid-March.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera — Turkish bus ambushed by Syrian gunmen — 21 Nov. 2011

Jerusalem Post — Turkish bus attacked in Syria, two wounded — 21 Nov. 2011

Washington Post — Turkish prime minister warns Syria’s Assad he can’t oppress people with tanks and guns forever — 21 Nov. 2011

Voice of America — Turkish Bus Attacked in Syria, 2 Wounded — 21 Nov. 2011

 

By Adom M. Cooper
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain–Thousands of mourners gathered in Bahrain for the funeral of a young protester whose life was taken by a police vehicle, as security forces attempted to dissipate demonstrators rallying against the nation’s leaders near a United States naval base, which is home to the Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

Ali Yussef Baddah, age 16, was killed on the spot when a police car struck him in the Al-Jufair suburb after midnight on Friday 18 November 2011, according to Al-Wefaq, the largest Shiite opposition group in Bahrain.

Ali Badgar, Ali’s uncle, stated that he rushed to the area with Ali’s father, but the police had the site quarantined off and would not allow anybody to approach the scene. Badgar shared this statement with Al-Jazeera about the situation concerning his deceased teenager nephew.

“Our boy was dead and they left him lying in the street for hours.”

According to the state-run Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the police vehicle that killed Ali Yussef Baddah skidded into a group of “rioters committing acts of sabotage” due to an oil spill on the road. The BNA report stated that authorities are investigating the incident that occurred just moments before 1AM local time on Sunday 20 November 2011.

The Interior Ministry disputed opposition claims that police purposefully drove the car into the crowd of protesters, stating that the anti-riot police was “ambushed” by demonstrators and lost control after driving on an oil slick spilled by the opposition. It released the following statement concerning the incident.

“Shortly after midnight, vandals had poured oil on Al Shabab road, causing the driver of a police patrol to lose control of the vehicle and hit the pedestrian, who died at the scene.”

This past March, Bahrain imposes martial law and invited some 1,500 troops from Saudia Arabi and other Gulf neighbors to enter its borders.

The country has endured several months of anti-government protests and subsequent crackdowns in the geographically significant Gulf nation, particularly for the United States. The unrest and uprisings commenced when the country’s Shia majority started campaigning for greater rights and freedoms. Many Shia professionals, including lawyers, doctors, and nurses have been detained and tried on anti-state charges in a special security court since the beginning of protests inspired and ignited by uprisings sweeping through the Arab world like a wildfire.

Despite the resolve of the nation’s leaders to not change a thing, critics of the government have continued to openly and publicly display their dissent. A march in the village of Aali on Friday 18 November 2011 is one of many recent demonstrations against the current regime’s reign.

In another instance according to Shiite opposition group Al-Wefaq, a Shiite mosque was targeted by security forces, leavings large sections of it damaged. The group said that hundreds of people had been injured by security forces on Friday 18 November 2011 and Saturday 19 2011.

More than 30 individuals have lost their lives to the nation-wide protests. Opposition groups claim that more than 1,000 people, predominantly Shiites have been detained and some 2,000 have lost their jobs for allegedly taking part in the protests and demonstrations.

A report prepared by The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), which has been investigating the alleged abuses during the continued social uprising, is due this coming Wednesday 23 November 2011. Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni, an Egyptian-born professor of international criminal law and a former member of the United Nations Human Rights panels, heads the five-member panel of the BICI preparing the investigation. The commission was established in July 2011 with the consent of Bahrain’s leaders.

In the months following the beginning of the uprisings, the panel has received well over 8,000 complaints, testimonies, and documents. Members of the panel have interviewed over 5,000 witnesses and alleged victims of violence. These witnesses and alleged victims include detainees, police personnel, doctors, and journalists. In the course of its information gathering, the panel has drawn controversy from various human rights groups for the way it has conducted its investigation.

The Bahrain Mirror, an e-newspaper operated by dissenters, published a report last week arguing that the BICI lacks the requisite credibility to conduct a valid report because it failed to consult civil society and Bahraini NGOs. The e-newspaper released the following statement concerning the BICI’s lack of credibility. It has also reported that the panel was created by the King Hamad al-Khalifa to avoid a UN fact-finding commission.

“The BICI chief repeatedly hailed the King of Bahrain, the Ministers and the government officials for their cooperation with the Commission, while he took harsh stance toward a number of victims whom were believed (even by the Commission itself) were subjected to violations or arbitrary arrest, torture, or unfair trials, even it amounted to explicit criminalization of one of those sentenced to death while final verdict has been issued against him yet.”

The U.S. State Department on Friday 18 November 2011 updated its travel alert on Bahrain, detailing the “potential for unrest” and states that all visitors face “increased scrutiny” from Bahraini authorities.

“Travel in and around Bahrain could become dangerous without advance warning.”

One can only hope that the government decides to hear and act on the demands of its citizens because they are substantially at more risk than travelers and tourists.

 

For more information, please see:

Reuters – Factbox: Arab Spring Momentum In Middle East, North Africa – 20 November 2011

Al-Jazeera – Bahrain Teenager Killed by Police Vehicle – 19 November 2011

Ahram – Bahrain Protester Killed By Police Vehicle – 19 November 2011

Bahrain Freedom Movement – Teenager Killed in Bahrain Amid High Tension – 19 November 2011

CNN – Clashes Break Out in Bahrain After Teen’s Death – 19 November 2011

Washington Post – Bahrain: Teen Killed When Police Car Skidded On Oil Slick During Protests – 19 November 2011

By Carolyn Abdenour
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

CAIRO, Egypt – On Friday, 18 November, tens of thousands of Islamists and young activists gathered at Tahrir Square to protest Egypt’s ruling Supreme Council of Armed Forces’ (SCAF) attempt to grant themselves special powers for a future elected government.  The SCAF has ruled the country since Mubarak’s fall in February, but many Egyptians fear the military wants to ingrain its power after the elections that take place in ten days.

The rally, called “Friday of One Demand,” rested on the principle that the military should end their rule with a swift transfer of power to the elected president by April 2012.  This demonstration has been the largest since the 18-day revolt that spurred Mubarak’s fall.

The demonstrators in Cairo and Alexandria demanded the SCAF remove their proposed constitutional change to declare the military the guardian of “constitutional legitimacy”.  Critics suggest this wording implies the military could strongly influence major policies once Egypt elects a new president.  The SCAF also introduced constitutional clauses to limit civilian oversight of the military.

The SCAF promised to end its rule that began when Mubarak fell on 11 February after a six-month transitional period.  During their tenure, the SCAF has maintained a security vacuum, tried civilians in military court, and ignored the people’s demands from the January 25 Revolution while the national economy deteriorated.

Although both liberals and conservatives are vying for votes, both sides stand against the military.  The election victors will draft the new constitution to define post-revolutionary Egypt.

The demonstration population includes conservative Islamists from the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice party, their hardline Islamic Salafi rivals from several political parties, and young protesters who relied on social networking to lead the previous protests.

Social studies teacher Nahed Skukri commented that the diversity of ages, classes, and allegiances reminded her of Egyptian unity against Mubarak.  She said, “We are unified against people who try to take advantage of use. . . .  The [SCAF] is taking advantage of us now, and now we are regrouping.  I can see that we are one today.”

The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s most organized political group expected to fare well in the elections, has dodged confrontation with the SCAF.  However, the Brotherhood warned the SCAF if it does not withdrawal its proposed constitutional powers, the protests would increase.

28-year-old Brotherhood member Hani Hegazi commented, “The army as no role in ruling people. . . .  Its only job is to protect the country.  We want civilian rule chosen through democracy.”

For more information, please see:

Ahram Online – Islamists Dominate Egypt’s Tahrir Square’s Dense Friday Protest – 18 Nov 2011

BBC – Egypt: Thousands Protest in Cairo Against Military – 18 Nov 2011

Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Egypt’s Islamists Confront Military, Vie For Votes – 18 Nov 2011

The Washington Post – In Egypt, Crowds Urge End to Military Rule – 18 Nov 2011

 

By Adom M. Cooper
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates–Five activists who were jailed seven months ago for “publicly insulting” United Arab Emirates officials plan to begin a hunger on Sunday 13 November 2011. According to Human Rights Watch, the activists will let the strike continue until the authorities release them unconditionally and cease all judicial proceedings against them.

The five activists, who were arrested earlier this year in April and whose trial opened on June 14, are: Ahmed Mansoor, an engineer and blogger; Nasser bin Ghaith, an economist, university lecturer at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, and an advocate for political reform; and online activists Fahad Salim Dalk, Ahmed Abdul-Khaleq, and Hassan Ali al-Khamis.

The charges against the activists are under Article 176 of the Penal Code, which deems it a crime to publicly insult top officials. The charges stem from the usage of the banned online political forum known as UAE Hewar. According to Human Rights Watch, a review of the messages posted by these activists did no more than criticize government policy or political leaders. No evidence exists that shows the activists used or incited violence in the course of their political activities.

Article 176 permits a sentence of up to five years in prison for “whoever publicly insults the State President, its flag or national emblem.” Article 8 broadens the application of the provision to encompass the vice president, members of the Supreme Council of the Federation, and others.

On Friday 11 November 2011, the activists released a joint statement, declaring their intention to begin the hunger strike. Also, they detailed violations of their basic rights by judiciary, prosecution, and prison officials, including their prolonged detention on politically motivated charges and an unfair trial. According to Human Rights Watch, the five activists felt “compelled” to go on a hunger strike after suffering in prison for seven months and having “exhausted all possible means of redress.”

The statement also detailed how the activists have endured a “vicious, orchestrated smear campaign” through text messages, social media, and satellite channels since their detention. Their lawyers have made numerous criminal complaints to officials, including the attorney general, public prosecutors, and police officers. These complaints have been ignored. Government authorities have reportedly also failed to investigate threats, including death threats, against the activists.

“The pressure and mobilization of public opinion to ensure our conviction for a crime that we have not been proven to have committed-all of this has stifled public liberties in general, and particularly freedom of opinion and expression, in our dear country to which we pledge our exclusive allegiance.”

On Sunday 13 November 2011, Weded al-Muhairi, the wife of Nasser bin Gaith, shared these sentiments with Al-Jazeera.

“They began a hunger strike to get their voices through to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and not to challenge the authorities. The decision came after all our efforts have been thwarted, after we have knocked on every door and exhausted all possible means of redress, after we have lost all hope of a fair trial and even civilized, humane treatment.”

Joe Stork, Deputy Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch, shared these words about the developing situation.

“Every month that these men remain locked up on absurd charges of insulting UAE rulers further undermines the government’s claim that this is an open and tolerant country. This trial is all about zero tolerance for political dissent and has nothing to do with justice or security.”

Under UAE’s Constitution as well as international human rights law, the prosecution of the five activists violates guarantees of free speech. The Federal Supreme Court is trying the case and has stated that it will issue a verdict on 27 November 2011.

The court has not allow the defendants to review the evidence, not allowed them to review the charges against them, and not allowed the defense lawyers to cross-examine one prosecution witness and did not provide sufficient time to cross-examine others. Without any sort of explanation, the authorities closed the first four hearings to the public, journalists, international observers, and the families of the accused activists.

According to Human Rights Watch, on several occasions, the court has denied or even failed to rule on motions to release the defendants on bail, even though none of them are charged with a violent offense. The authorities have not suggested once that the activists are potential flight risks.

Article 32 of The Arab Charter on Human Rights guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and to impart news to others by any means. The United Arab Emirates has ratified this charter, submitting itself to the rights listed therein. The only restrictions the charter allows on the practice of this right are those imposed for “respect for the rights of others, their reputation, or the protection of national security, public order, public health, or public morals.”

With the progress of the Federal Supreme Court thus far, one can only hope that its expected verdict on 27 November 2011 recognizes that the five activists have done nothing listed under Article 32’s exceptions, as reflected by the current evidence available.

 

For more information, please see: 

Al-Jazeera – Jailed UAE Activists Begin Hunger Strike – 13 November 2011

Human Rights Watch – UAE: Activists Planning Hunger Strike – 11 November 2011

Financial Times – UAE Democracy Activists Plan Hunger Strike – 11 November 2011

Press TV – UAE Prisoners To Go On Hunger Strike – 11 November 2011

Amnesty International – UAE: Trial Observer Finds Flagrant Flaws in ‘UAE 5’ – 2 November 2011