Freedom House denied entry to Bahrain despite visas
 

23-01-12 09:07 PM

http://bahrainrights.hopto.org/BCHR/...eedomhouse.jpg
22 Jan 2012
Bahrain has recently denied entry to Brian Dooley of Human Rights First and Richard Sollom of Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), and now Courtney Radsch and two other colleagues from Freedom House.


By: Courtney C. Radsch
I was supposed to go to Bahrain tomorrow, with visa approved and flight booked, only to be told that we are not welcome and our trip should be postponed. I was to go with two colleagues from Freedom House for a training that is part of a women's empowerment program that ends in February. Yet the effusively 'polite' letter paid no heed and rather claimed that the Bahrain government is "working on the implementation of the recommendations" of the report by the independent commission (BICI) even though one of those was to let in human rights organizations!
In fact, when the report was released last November, King Hamad said "any Government which has a sincere desire for reform and progress understands the benefit of objective and constructive criticism" - apparently the Bahraini government is not one of them! A copy of the letter is here.
In fact, violence has escalated over the weekend, with reports of clashes between mourners and security forces. My thoughts are with all of those peacefully struggling for their rights in Bahrain, please stay safe and know that the world IS watching.
www.radsch.info


Also read:
Bahrain Denies Brian Dooley Entry , Human Rights First
Deputy director of Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) barred from entering Bahrain to attend the trial
For any rights defenders or media professionals who are being denied entry to Bahrain for the coming period please write to us on [email protected]


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