http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Pearl Roundabout) en-us Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:33:00 -0800 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/a-nation-under-occupation-bahrains-forgotten-uprising-two-years-on?start=0 Democracy Now! correspondent Sharif Abdel Kouddous describes his recent trip to Bahrain, where the Sunni monarchy continues its crackdown on a two-year old uprising. Since February 2011, at least 87 people have died at the hands of US-backed forces. While talks are taking place this week between the Bahraini government and opposition groups, several of Bahrain's leading human rights defenders remain imprisoned. "Bahrain had the feeling of a country under occupation," Kouddous says of his visit. "There was helmeted riot police in full armor, wielding shotguns, tear gas, sound grenades; deployed around villages outside of the helicopters; there were helicopters buzzing overhead conducting surveillance... Many people from the opposition movement lament that they have been forsaken by the international community and forgotten by the world's media for this uprising that doesn't get a lot of attention." <br /> Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:33:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/a-nation-under-occupation-bahrains-forgotten-uprising-two-years-on Bahrain Uprising, Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, Pearl Roundabout, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, Tear gas, Manama, Human rights in Bahrain, Abu Saiba Democracy Now! correspondent Sharif Abdel Kouddous describes his recent trip to Bahrain, where the Sunni monarchy continues its crackdown on a two-year old uprising. Since February 2011, at least 87 people have died at the hands of US-backed forces. While talks are taking place this week between the Bahraini government and opposition groups, several of Bahrain's leading human rights defenders remain imprisoned. "Bahrain had the feeling of a country under occupation," Kouddous says of his visit. "There was helmeted riot police in full armor, wielding shotguns, tear gas, sound grenades; deployed around villages outside of the helicopters; there were helicopters buzzing overhead conducting surveillance... Many people from the opposition movement lament that they have been forsaken by the international community and forgotten by the world's media for this uprising that doesn't get a lot of attention." ---- We begin today's show looking at the Gulf nation of Bahrain, a close U.S. ally and the home of the Navy's Fifth Fleet. Tensions remain high in Bahrain after a teenager was killed last week on the second anniversary of pro-democracy protests. Since February 2011, at least 87 people have died at the hands of U.S.-backed security forces. While talks are taking place this week between the Bahraini government and opposition groups, several of that nation's leading human rights defenders remain imprisoned. Attorney Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, the co-founder of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, is serving a life sentence. He has already been held for nearly two years. Nabeel Rajab, another prominent human rights defender, is serving a three-year sentence. Democracy Now! correspondent and Nation Institute fellow Sharif Abdel Kouddous has just returned from Bahrain. His latest article, "Scenes from a Bahraini Burial," will be published by The Nation today. He joins us from his home in Cairo, Egypt. Welcome to Democracy Now!, Sharif. Talk about what you found in Bahrain. And how difficult was it to get in? Well, I actually was granted at the last moment a journalist visa to enter for three days. And so, I was there for the uprising, the anniversary of the uprising on February 14th. And really, on that day and the days afterwards, Bahrain had the feeling of a country under occupation. There was helmeted riot police in full armor wielding shotguns, tear gas, sound grenades, deployed around villages outside of the capital. There was helicopters buzzing overhead conducting surveillance, police helicopters. There were checkpoints set up—and this is a feature of life in Bahrain—checkpoints along the major roads with security forces stopping motorists, checking IDs, sometimes keeping people for hours and harassing them. And meanwhile, inside the villages, there's—clashes take place with police, young men and boys in T-shirt balaclavas throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at police and usually being attacked with shotguns and suffocating amounts of tear gas. You see many of these young men going towards the site of the Pearl Roundabout, that roundabout that was destroyed by the government in the early months of the uprising in 2011. And this is a recurring symbolic—symbolic act of resistance to reclaim the birthplace of the uprising. So, this was the scene on the ground in Bahrain. And, of course, as you mentioned, on that day, a 16-year-old boy by the name of Hussain al-Jaziri was shot and killed by a police officer. I spoke to eyewitnesses who told me he was no more than three or four yards away from the police officer when he was killed. This has only fueled the unrest. And his funeral two days later was attended by thousands of people holding up pictures of him, a smiling picture of him, chanting things like "Down with Hamad," the king of Bahrain, chanting things like "I'm the next martyr." And this was despite police efforts to really cordon off the entire area. In the morning of that day, police had put roadblocks on all the major roads leading to a major area, to these two villages where the funeral march would take place. And really, there was an unforgettable scene as the march reached the graveyard and Hussain's body was being lowered into the grave. Protesters continued going forward towards the Pearl Roundabout, where, you know, dozens of security forces were waiting for them. And there was tear gas being fired, and people were holding tissues and gas masks over their hands and mouth as this body was being lowered into the ground. And so, this is the kind of scene that is in Bahrain, and many people lament there, from the opposition movement, that they have been forsaken by the international community and forgotten by the world's media for this uprising that doesn't get a lot of attention in the media. And, Sharif, you mentioned the tear gas that was fired. And in your article, you talk about the lethal use of tear gas throughout this democracy uprising by the forces, the government forces, in Bahrain. Could you expand on that? Right. Well, the police—and it must be mentioned that large ranks of the police are recruits from other countries, like Pakistan, Yemen and Jordan, and they're referred to by protesters and opposition people as mercenaries. But the security forces, the government had been heavily criticized for their use of tear gas in Bahrain. People speak about it as an unavoidable hazard of everyday life. Physicians for Human Rights, the U.S.-based group, released a study last year that found that their use—the government's use of tear gas was unprecedented in the world. People speak about how it's shot into apartments, into cars. Women—pregnant women have had miscarriages because of this. People speak of different types of colored gas—yellow and blue and black. And so, this is the kind of repression and crackdown on dissent that we're seeing. And on the eve of the uprising, a woman by the name of Amina Sayed Mahdi, who was a 36-year-old cashier at a country mall, at a mall, died of a lung infection after a month-long stint in the hospital. She would go home every day to her village in Abu Saiba and have to be exposed to a lot of gas. There was a lot of clashes around her village. And she would often faint on the way home. The people who documented her case told me that she would vomit often. She had stomach problems and eventually developed a lung infection. Now, she did have pre-existing medical conditions, which complicated the case, but her family points to the government and blame [it] directly for the killing. And hundreds turned out for her funeral. And they lay the blame also and call her a martyr, saying she died at the hands of the government's use of—lethal use of tear gas. Sharif, can you talk about the announcement by the king, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, to begin talks with the political opposition, their significance, the monarchy a close ally of the United States government? Right, the king in late January called for a national dialogue to be held. The first session was held on February 10th. This was the first attempt at talks in over 18 months, since dialogue broke down in the summer of 2011. It involves six opposition groups, along with pro-government representatives and the government themselves, in these talks. The people—the al-Wefaq Society, which is the largest political opposition group, is calling for a constitutional monarchy, major reforms including an elected prime minister to replace the king's uncle, who's been in power as prime minister for an astounding 42 years. There's a lot of skepticism amongst many of the people I spoke to on the ground of the outcome of these talks, that speaks to a deep mistrust of the government, given the crackdown that we've seen on protesters and on human rights workers over these last two years. They say that none of the recommendations put forward in a government-commissioned inquiry that was released in November 2011, that was headed by Cherif Bassiouni, none of them have been implemented. They say that none of the—or none of the key ones have been implemented, rather. The same goes for a U.N. report released in September that had a host of recommendations. They say none of those have been implemented. And there's a lot of skepticism and mistrust of the government. And so, we'll have to see where these talks go forward, but the increased unrest that we've seen in the last week threatens to derail them. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312?start=195 <p>Iranian riot police clash with demonstrators during currency crisis protests in Tehran, Bahrain launches crackdown on funeral for activist who died in custody, Tunisian woman accused of indecency after being raped by security forces, and more.</p> Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Human rights, Aleppo, Free Syrian Army, Palestinians, Iran, Damascus, Activism Presenter, Male #1 Tens of thousands of Bahrainis participated in a funeral procession for martyr Mohammed Mushaima, who died from torture and the deprivation of medical treatment, due to his participation in the protests against political and social discrimination. The mourners condemned the police's procedures, and called for putting the king on trial. Regime forces confronted the mourners with gunfire and poison gas. Presenter, Male #1 On the other hand, al-Wefaq Society accused the Bahraini regime of being behind Mushaima's death, by depriving him of medical treatment and fabricating accusations against him. The Arab Network for Human Rights Information held al-Manama's authorities responsible for his martyrdom. Mushaima was sentenced to seven years in prison. Reporter, Male #2 Only two days had passed since the Bahraini regime killed martyr Ali Neama with gunfire, before another martyr was killed, Ali Mushaima. But this time, it was by torturing him in prison and depriving him of medical treatment. The new martyr was sentenced to seven years in prison, after he was charged with protesting at a financial facility. The evidence they presented for this charge was invalid, because Mushaima was in the hospital at the time. The martyr carried out one year of his prison sentence before his torturers decided to execute him with torture. Before that, they deprived him of medical treatment. Reporter, Male #2 Tens of thousands held a funeral procession for the 23-year-old martyr, and repeated angry slogans in which they called for toppling the regime, and putting the Bahraini king on trial for killing peaceful protestors who were expressing their opinions. Reporter, Male #2 After holding a procession for the martyr in the town of al-Deir, which is west of the capital al-Manama, thousands headed to Pearl Square, defying the Saudi occupation army and the Bahraini army, who cordoned off the square to support the regime's security forces. Regime forces cracked down on them with bullets and poison gas. Reporter, Male #2 It was not enough for the regime to crack down on them and kill them. It also intentionally arrested a number of doctors and surgeons. The most recent arrests were of Ali al-Akri, Saeed al-Samahigi, Ghassan Daif, Mahmoud Asghar, and the secretary of the Bahrain Nursing Society, Ibrahim al-Damastani, in addition to Nurse Diaa Ibrahim. Reporter, Male #2 Internationally, Amnesty International condemned the court, which upheld the medics' sentences. They said that this once again shows that there is no real commitment from the Bahraini government to achieve real justice for the victims of human rights violations. They also asserted that the medics were imprisoned for practicing their legitimate right to freedom of expression, and demanded their release without restrictions or conditions. Reporter, Male #2 Britain, which is one of the main countries that endorses the Bahraini regime, postponed the trail of Bahraini opposition activist Ali Hassan Musheima until next month. Musheima and his colleague Mussa Abd-Ali are accused of climbing the Bahraini Embassy building in London during a sit-in. It worth noting that Ali's father is Sheikh Hassan Musheima, who is currently imprisoned in the Bahraini regime's prisons, and is being subjected to torture, according to lawyers and relatives. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041812?start=35 The Bahraini opposition continues to organize demonstrations for the third consecutive day to protest the hosting of the Formula One race scheduled to begin on Friday, reports Al Jazeera. Security forces arrested over 60 opposition activists in the past few days. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-041812 Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians, Israeli-occupied territories, Egypt, Israel, Bahrain Uprising, US-Afghanistan relations, Karachi, Saif al-Islam, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Male #1 The Bahraini opposition continues to organize demonstrations for the third consecutive day to protest the hosting of the Formula One race scheduled to begin on Friday. Thousands took to the street in the Deir area of al-Muharraq Island, carrying pictures of those who were killed in the protests. Reuters agency quoted activists saying security forces arrested over 60 opposition activists in the past few days. Reporter, Male #2 Bahrain is witnessing two simultaneous races. One is for reforms, and the other is the Formula One car race. Which one is more important? The opposition has already decided, so it takes to the street to call for canceling the Formula One race and beginning real reforms. According to the Bahraini opposition, reforms include the release of the detainees and the prosecution of those it describes as responsible for the killing and ongoing human rights violations. Reporter, Male #2 Here, they are demonstrating in the Deir area of al-Muharraq in eastern Bahrain. In the opposition's view, the only legitimate race the country should be engaged in is the one toward a real transformation to democracy, and a reinforcement of citizenship principles. This is what it is calling for. Earlier, they demonstrated to demand the release of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who has become an icon for the opposition. Al-Khawaja, who has been detained for nearly a year, began an open-ended hunger strike nearly two months ago. Human rights organizations say his health is now in critical condition, and there's fear his life is in danger. Organizations and countries, including Denmark, since al-Khawaja is also a Danish citizen, called on the Bahraini king to release him. The release did not happen. Reporter, Male #2 The opposition says his case represents a crucial test to prove the regime's goodwill in regards to reforms and reconciliation. The man was detained during the protests at Pearl Roundabout. The authorities demolished the monument, and later announced an end to martial law, formed a fact-finding commission, and the king announced the regime is committed to implementing the commission's recommendations. However, al-Khawaja is still in prison. For this reason, the opposition says the authorities failed the test, while at the same time, it says human rights violations and the killings have increased. Reporter, Male #2 As for torture, Amnesty International is monitoring the practice in the country, saying it is still receiving reliable reports of torture and of an excessive and unnecessary use of force despite the reform promises. For their part, the Bahraini authorities responded by saying they are moving along with the race for reform, which they believe does not conflict with the Formula One race. The authorities say hosting the race is a reaffirmation of the country's capability and reputation, not to mention it has many benefits. In a previous Formula One season, 100,000 tourists visited the country, netting a USD 500 million profit. The race's supporters say life must also go on. http://news.linktv.org/videos/bahrain-shouting-in-the-dark?start=0 As prominent Bahraini human rights campaigner Abdulhadi Alkhawaja nears death after two months of hunger strike to protest his imprisonment, we present "Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark," which tells the story of the Bahrain Uprising. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:27:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/bahrain-shouting-in-the-dark Bahrain Uprising, Bahrain, Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark, Pearl Roundabout, Manama, Al Wefaq, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Protest, Sectarianism, Political repression As prominent Bahraini human rights campaigner Abdulhadi Alkhawaja nears death after two months of hunger strike to protest his imprisonment, we present "Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark," which tells the story of the Bahrain Uprising, an Arab revolution that has been abandoned by the Arabs, forsaken by the West, and forgotten by the world. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-april-6-2012?start=2241 New details emerge over the fatal shooting by police of elderly ex-Marine Kenneth Chamberlain; "Merchant of Death" Viktor Bout is sentenced to 25 years but his trial ignores ties to the US and Dick Cheney; and we have an interview with the director of "Shouting in the Dark," a new film that chronicles Bahrain's pro-democracy uprising against US-backed rule. Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:35:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-april-6-2012 Bahrain Uprising, Kenneth Chamberlain, Viktor Bout, Democracy Now!, Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, Bahrain, White Plains, New York, Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark, Police officer, United States As Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi Alkhawaja is near death on the 58th day of a hunger strike protesting his imprisonment, we look at an award-winning documentary that tells the story of the uprising in Bahrain with extraordinary footage shot entirely undercover by Al Jazeera English reporters. It’s called "Shouting in the Dark." We speak with the film’s director, May Ying Welsh, the only Western journalist to stay throughout the violent government crackdown on demonstrators, as well as the doctors and nurses who treated them. ---- We turn to Bahrain, where the country's best-known human rights activist is on the 58th day of a hunger strike. According to those who have seen him most recently, 51-year-old Abdulhadi Alkhawaja has been moved from prison to the hospital. They say he could die at any moment. His detention has led to calls for the cancellation of the Bahrain Formula One race scheduled for later this month. The government has been touting the race as a sign that the people of Bahrain are united and the situation on the island kingdom has returned to normal after a year of protest. Alkhawaja was arrested last April during a government crackdown on protests by the country's Shia majority that has been demanding greater rights from its Sunni rulers. He has been refusing food since February 8th to protest the life sentence he received in June for allegedly plotting against the state. In the past year, Bahraini security forces have killed dozens of demonstrators. Hundreds more have been arrested or fired from their jobs. The island nation is a key strategic ally of the United States in the Middle East, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. We turn now to an award-winning documentary that tells the story of the uprising in Bahrain. With extraordinary footage shot entirely undercover by Al Jazeera English's May Ying Welsh, the documentary Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark was awarded the George Polk Award for TV documentary on Thursday night. The film has also received the Scripps Howard award for in-depth TV reporting and the 2011 U.K. Foreign Press Association's Documentary of the Year Award. We're joined by May Ying Welsh here in New York. But first let's play a few minutes from the opening of the documentary, Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark. Bahrain, an island kingdom in the Arabian Gulf, where the Shia Muslim majority are ruled by a family from the Sunni minority, where people fighting for democratic rights broke the barriers of fear only to find themselves alone and crushed. This is their story, and Al Jazeera is their witness, the only TV journalists who remain to follow their journey of hope to the carnage that followed. This is the Arab revolution that was abandoned by the Arabs, forsaken by the West, and forgotten by the world. With the world's cameras trained on Cairo and Tunis, on February 16th, we discovered what felt like a secret revolution: no lights, no TV crews, just a people shouting in the dark. BAHRAINI REVOLUTIONARY 1: [translated] Something inside was pushing me to go. I have to participate. I have to go. I can't just stay at home and watch TV. I can't do that. Tens of thousands had come to Pearl Roundabout in the heart of the capital to call for democracy. BAHRAINI REVOLUTIONARY 2: When I saw the crowd over there, all—really, it's the whole Bahrain is out here. It's the real revolution. Whoever was afraid, fear being broken on that day. And it was all happening just one hour's drive from the oil fields of eastern Saudi Arabia, the fulcrum of the global economy. BAHRAINI REVOLUTIONARY 3: [translated] All of these years, we had been inside our villages, separate and isolated. This would be the point of takeoff for us. This will be the beginning of our freedom. They went to bed that night in the street, believing they were already free. At 3:00 a.m., the government moved to evict sleeping protesters from Pearl Roundabout. Police swarmed the camp with shotguns and clubs. Anyone too slow or injured to run was beaten by police. At Salmaniya, the country's main hospital, the aftermath was on view. Hundreds of protesters were shot, tear-gassed and beaten with rifle butts. Dr. Ali Al Ekri was there. DR. ALI AL EKRI: It was chaos. We cannot see anything. It was dark. It was—we were in tears. Everybody is panic. Kids were just under us. I just pulled one lady, one of the—with me. And another child was there. I was just going out. And he says—he pointed to me. I told him, "I'm doctor! I'm doctor!" As distraught family members flooded in, doctors and nurses broke down, overcome by the scenes of violence that shocked this small Gulf nation. For hours, the hospital's ambulances were prevented from reaching protesters who were injured and dying. DR. GHASSAN DHAIF: There is a ministerial order from the minister of health not to send anybody from the paramedics or the ambulance people in order to serve the casualties. So, let them lie in the street. Let these police people do whatever they want. Any uniformed medic caught trying to save protesters at Pearl Roundabout was attacked. Dr. Saadiq Al Ekri, a senior surgeon, was handcuffed and beaten. DR. SAADIQ AL EKRI: I was wearing the uniform for the doctors. You know, that one would be with the—with the Crescent. Then they tie me, and they attack me, while I'm crying. Then, I don't know how many people, maybe 10, maybe 20—I don't remember—are beating—from everywhere, I was being hit by sticks, by legs. Then, I don't know. Then they—they told me, "Get up, or we will kill you." After breaking Dr. Ekri's nose and ribs, he says police pulled his pants down and threatened to rape him. Four had died at Pearl Roundabout. AHMED ABU TAKI: My brother, he was sleeping next to the roundabout. Then, the policeman, he's coming. Then they shoot him, when he was asleep. He's going there because he's looking for work. He's only 22 years. The opening scenes of Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark, directed by May Ying Welsh, the documentary shot entirely undercover. May Ying was awarded the George Polk Award last night. She's a journalist with Al Jazeera English. May Ying, welcome to Democracy Now! You are remarkably brave. But we at Democracy Now! knew this years ago, because it was during "Shock and Awe," the bombing of Iraq in those first days, March 19th, 20th, 21st, you were our reporter on the ground, running outside with a satellite phone. You'd say, "There is a bomb in front of us." And we'd say, "Run in the other direction. Go inside." You'd say, "No," and you would keep on running and reporting. So, we know what you are made of, May Ying. Talk about this documentary that is truly a stunning document of what has taken place in Bahrain in the last year. Right. We, Al Jazeera English, were the only journalists that really came to Bahrain early and stayed throughout the entire crisis, from the beginning of the uprising to the pretty much final crushing of it in April. We stayed almost the entire time, and we followed these people. And so, I think we have the only full document of what really happened there. In order to stay that whole time, you know, as they started to go underground, as the crackdown deepened, we also kind of had to go underground. We started having to move out of the hotel. We started being chased around Bahrain by the police, you know, from place to place. We took the SIM cards out of our phones. We had to go to people's homes unannounced to do interviews. I wore an abaya and a hijab and put my camera in like a feminine purse. And we did a lot of things to try and basically stay in Bahrain, as they were deporting and, you know, saying goodbye to what few journalists were there. And we had a very great sense of responsibility for those people, because we knew we were the only people that were getting the story, and so we felt we've got to stay, and we've got to get this complete story out there, so people know what really happened in Bahrain. And what kind of pressure came on the network, in terms of the coverage, and then, finally, in terms of the airing of the documentary last August on Al Jazeera English? OK, huge pressure was put on Al Jazeera to remove this film from the air. I mean, the first thing that happened after the first airing of the film, just a few minutes after midnight, the foreign minister of Bahrain sent out a tweet saying, you know, that—basically attacking Qatar for having aired the film and, you know, complaining about—he sent out several tweets. Even one of the princes, one of the king's sons, sent out some tweets against the film. And there was a social media firestorm against the film. There was a diplomatic letter of protest that came from Bahrain to Qatar demanding that it be removed from the air. And, you know, Al Jazeera's response to that was actually to give the regime a chance to respond to the issues raised in the film by creating more programming. So we had some talk shows and other things that we brought, in addition to Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark, just to get people talking even more. And that's one of the really good things about the film, is that it got people in the Gulf talking about taboo subjects, about sectarianism, authoritarianism, one-family rule, you know, these issues which are not talked about, you know, yeah. I mean, Qatar is a part of the Gulf Cooperation Council that was supporting the Bahrain monarchy, so this was— Right. —extremely significant that Al Jazeera was producing this. Yeah, yeah. Talk about the overall uprising and the role of the doctors and the nurses, why they became targets and remain on trial today. Right. I think—I mean, I think that the reason why—from what we saw, I mean, we spent a huge amount of time with those medical staff. I saw them unannounced. You know, we would show up at 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning at the hospital. We saw them at all hours of the day. We saw a lot of the patients. You know, we really saw what happened at the hospital over the course of two months. And, you know, I believe, personally, based on my observations, that the reason why—what they did wrong was they allowed journalists into the hospital to film the aftermath of what the crackdown had meant physically on the people, you know, the injuries that people had, the deaths. They let us film people who were dying, and as a result of the regime's violence. And I think that really, really was what they really did wrong. They supported the protesters, in a sense of they treated them. They gave them, you know— what do you call it? — help and aid. And they treated the police, as well. They treated police, as well. I saw that with my own eyes. And they treated everybody. They treated everybody that came into their care. But I think what they really did wrong was they scandalized the government. Yeah, I want to go to another clip from Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark. This excerpt includes your conversation with opposition MP Matar Matar, who urges the United States to support democratic forces in his country. The only gathering allowed to the people was a funeral. Amidst the trauma, Shia mobs formed to punish the only people they could: the impoverished Asian immigrants living among them, simple workers suspected of being policemen. In early April, Bahrain started a campaign to destroy Shia places of worship, demolishing 35 mosques. The government said they were illegally built, though many had been standing for decades. Police launched a campaign of house raids in Shia neighborhoods. When a raid ruined the home of journalist Kareem Fakhrawi, he went to his local police station to file a report, where he was jailed and tortured to death. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Some nations may be able to turn a blind eye to atrocities in other countries. The United States of America is different. Wherever people long to be free, they will find a friend in the United States. But when it came to Bahrain, the champions of freedom were silent. MATAR MATAR: I don't ask the United States to help. I believe that United States have obligations here. They classify us as a strategic ally, and they are having their Fifth Fleet here in our country. They should say that they are supporting democracy. They should say it clearly. Not long after this interview, masked men pulled Matar off the street and took him to prison. There were no international journalists in Bahrain. There was only the word of state TV. STATE TV: [translated] Treason is a filthy ocean, and the traitor is so filthy he is not made any filthier by the swamp he is drowning in. When the government demolished Pearl Roundabout, state TV censored the moment of collapse, because it killed a worker. BAHRAINI REVOLUTIONARY 3: [translated] When I'm sleeping, a lot of times I dream we are returning to the roundabout. To this day, I dream it is there. I don't feel it is broken. State TV had been right about something. At Pearl Roundabout, all the masks had fallen to reveal the authentic face of a nation, where a country is not its rulers, but its people. And this was a place where, for once, the story was theirs. BAHRAINI REVOLUTIONARY 2: There was no fear from anything, because they felt of their freedom soul. They touched that soul of freedom, where—this is the point the regime in Bahrain, they don't understand. The Bahraini people touched the soul of freedom. They won't go back. They won't go back. Each night, the people of Bahrain go to their rooftops and call out to God and each other. The world's cameras have left, and their revolution remains as it began: a people shouting in the dark. An excerpt of Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark by filmmaker May Ying Welsh. The documentary has just won the George Polk Award along with many others. May Ying, your bravery, in being undercover, many of your interviews are in silhouette. Talk about the journalists you describe who were tortured to death. Right. There's two journalists in Bahrain who were tortured to death. And we know a lot of journalists who also were just tortured, arrested and tortured. The government did take a lot of the journalists that covered the Pearl Roundabout and detained them, sometimes in order to pressure them to hand over photographs to identify—so that they could identify who else had been at Pearl Roundabout. Other times it was because they accused them of feeding information to Iranian-owned news agencies like Press TV and Al-Alam, which, you know, that was a very difficult thing, was to see our colleagues—that happen to our colleagues. I mean, that happened to so many of the people. Everybody that you see in the film that we interviewed was, with like only one or two exceptions, was arrested, and most of them were tortured. And yet, there was so little outrage internationally or condemnation, really, of the Bahraini government. Your sense of how the population felt about being basically ignored in much of the world? That was devastating for them. I mean, they felt alone, really alone. They felt nobody was standing with them. They felt, you know, the Arab world wasn't standing with them, because they were Shias. You know, people had been told that they were a fifth column for Iran, and a lot of people were believing that, and that really hurt them a lot. And because they had sort of stood with the Egyptians when the Egyptians rose up, and they had been standing with the Palestinians for a long time, they were very hurt that nobody stood with them. And they were very upset that, you know, the United States sort of didn't have anything to say about the fact that they were asking for democracy, freedom of the press, freedom of expression, sort of all the things that we say, as Americans, you know, that we stand for and we want to see spread around the world. And yet, it seemed like the United States was kind of supporting the Khalifa ruling family. So they were really, really deeply disappointed. Well, the Navy Fifth Fleet is there. The U.S. is very close to the Bahraini monarchy. And very close to the Saudi monarchy. And I think that might be the main point of conflict for the United States government, is that, you know, if you are to support the Bahraini—if they were to support the Bahraini democracy movement, that would come—that would put them in direct conflict with our strong allies, the Saudis, who really don't want to see this, yeah. And your footage is very dramatic in this film, of the Saudi soldiers coming in. We are getting tweets, as we are speaking now, about Abdulhadi Alkhawaja. At the end, you refer to him getting a life sentence, the human rights leader, activist on hunger strike, now on his 58th day, has been moved from prison to the hospital. We've been talking with his daughter. People can go to our website for that. From Twitter, "People now marching to A. Karim roundabout for protest in 10 min. Also [in] Aali, protest starting soon [&] people wearing #Alkhawaja face masks." Abdulhadi Alkhawaja is near death, people calling for his release. As we wrap up, and we see the end of your documentary with people shouting in the dark, as you say, they now take to their rooftops to pray at night, so their faces won't be seen. Yeah, I mean, I think things have gotten a little better in Bahrain since this film was filmed. I mean, you know, at this time, this was April. During April, people—the only place people could protest anymore was on their rooftop at night, you know, where nobody could see your face. Now there's a little bit more freedom to protest. Although Alkhawaja remains near death. Although, yeah, there are like several people that are in prison for life in Bahrain, basically because they went to Pearl Roundabout and protested and demanded the fall of the regime. May Ying Welsh, we'll have to leave it there. The documentary, Bahrain: Shouting in the Dark, is on YouTube. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031612?start=36 Bahrainis marched against the Saudi-backed regime forces that raided Pearl Roundabout a year ago, while the Bahrain Human Rights Society demanded a national committee to look into the al-Khalifa regime's human rights violations, Al-Alam reports. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031612 Iran-Israel relations, Iraq, Israel, Sanctions against Iran, Arab League, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, Bahrain Uprising, Panjwai shooting spree, Halabja Presenter, Male #1 Bahrainis continued to march against the Saudi invasion of their country on its first annual commemoration. Masses across the country flocked to the streets to demand an immediate end to the occupation. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Human Rights Society demanded the formation of a national committee to look into violations committed by the al-Khalifa regime and the occupation. Reporter, Male #2 These are the slogans Bahraini protestors have been chanting since the eruption of their revolution on February 14, 2011. In Bani Jamra, the masses flooded the streets to reiterate their rejection to tyranny, and their resolve to escalate the resistance and expel the Saudi occupation forces from the country. Their chants reflected demands for change and democracy despite the repression of the occupation forces. Reporter, Male #2 In the island of Sitra, residents reenacted a scene of Saudi occupation forces entering the country, and chanted slogans condemning the occupation and reaffirming their determination to expel it from Bahrain. The methods of repression used by these forces against unarmed protestors are no longer a secret to the international community and human rights organizations. Bahraini activists uploaded videos online, showing regime forces using tear gas and Molotov cocktails against protestors in the neighborhood of al-Juffair in the capital al-Manama and areas surrounding the US base. Reporter, Male #2 The Bahrain Human Rights Society issued a report calling on the regime to allow international rights organizations and international monitors to visit Bahrain for an unlimited amount of time to observe human rights conditions and uncover the facts on the ground. The society urged the country to allow the special UN rapporteur on torture to enter the country on a scheduled date, and enable him to carry out his mission. It also asked the country to facilitate his meetings with officials, political groups, civil society organizations, and relevant individuals and their families so he can present a clear and transparent report. The society demanded the formation of a national transitional committee for justice, equality, and reconciliation to look into human rights violations in Bahrain. In addition, it called for monitoring violations in the country by looking into humanitarian cases, and working on ending them completely to improve the condition of human rights. The society stressed the importance of releasing all male and female detainees, and those convicted in the recent events, while dropping all charges against them. In addition, it called for an annulment of all sentences issued against those charged with expressing free political speech and peacefully assembling. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022412?start=907 Al-Alam reports that activists in Bahrain called for a march on Friday at the entrance of the town of Bilad al-Qadeem, under the slogan "the people reject humiliation," while Bahraini religious scholar Sheikh Issa Qassem condemned the regime. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022412 Israel, Syrian Civil War, Syria, Syrian people, Palestinians, Bashar al-Assad, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel Defense Forces, Homs, Bahrain Presenter, Female # 1 Political societies in Bahrain called for a mass march today at the entrance of the town of Bilad al-Qadeem, under the banner "the people reject humiliation." Night marches were held in all regions and were suppressed by the regime's forces with poisonous gas. Meanwhile, Bahraini religious scholar Sheikh Issa Qassem confirmed the regime is aggravating its injustice instead of retreating from it. Reporter, Male # 1 The Bahraini people's actions continue across the country as part of the protest movement aimed at attaining freedom and social justice. The security response by the regime's forces also continues. In the capital Manama, regime forces cracked down on a march called for by the February 14 Coalition and prominent rights activist Nabeel Rajab that rallied under the banner "steadfastness." Regime forces used poisonous gas. Guest, Male # 2 (Ayatollah Sheikh Issa Qassem, Bahraini Religious Scholar) It is wrong, and completely wrong, to heighten the injustice, intensify civil strife, and continue to marginalize the people, and insist on tyranny and humiliation instead of retreating from this humiliation and injustice, and work on rectifying the situation to reestablish trust, and restore our mental state. Reporter, Male # 1 At the same time, marches were held under the slogan "retribution for killers in loyalty to martyr Ja'afar al-Karami," who died last year by the gunfire of regime forces and the Saudi occupation during the storming of Pearl Roundabout. Clashes between protestors and regime forces took place in the area of Kardabad. The forces used live bullets, and blocked aid for the injured. Confrontations also occurred in the town of al-Musalla and the area of A'ali between protestors and regime forces. The forces responded with violence and used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. And despite the crackdown, residents of al-Ma'ameer took to the street to confirm they will remain steadfast regardless of the oppression they face. In addition, residents of Sitra organized similar protests confirming that they insist on attaining retribution for all those responsible for firing on protestors, whether during the storming of Pearl Roundabout or during the events that followed. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022212?start=1166 Al-Alam reports that the Saudi-backed Bahraini regime suppressed a funeral procession on the island of Sitra, while Bahrainis organized a demonstration in Canada demanding the downfall of the regime and an end to Saudi occupation. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-022212 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Iran, United States, Homs, Israel, Syrian army, Al-Shabaab, US-Afghanistan relations, Ali Abdullah Saleh Presenter, Male #1 Bahrain's political societies called on Bahrainis to gather in front of the UN headquarters in al-Manama this afternoon under the slogan "sovereignty of the people," to press ahead with the popular mobilization. Meanwhile, the regime suppressed a funeral procession on the island of Sitra. Bahrainis organized a demonstration in Canada demanding the downfall of the regime and an end to Saudi occupation. It's worth mentioning that Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa is the world's longest-serving prime minister, with more than 40 years in office. Reporter, Male #1 Sitra Island is again defying the Saudi government-backed security siege and ban on protests. Residents took to the streets of Sitra in a massive demonstration to mourn martyr Mansour Salman Hassan, an elderly man who was killed by the regime's tear gas. The demonstrators defied security measures and chanted slogans demanding the downfall of the monarchy's regime. The chants that the regime forces and mercenaries couldn't bear to hear prompted security officers to fire tear gas and rubber bullets. The February 14th Youth Revolution Coalition that organized the march called on the Bahraini people to take part in angry demonstrations on the first anniversary of the martyrdom of Abed Reda Abu Hamid, who was killed by the gunfire of regime forces near Pearl Roundabout in the capital Manama. Meanwhile, the Bahraini opposition abroad held a massive demonstration in the Canadian city of Ottawa, denouncing the Saudi occupation of Bahrain. Hundreds of people from Arab and Muslim communities took part in the march, which was launched from in front of the parliament and headed to the Saudi embassy. The demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the downfall of al-Saud's regime in Saudi Arabia and al-Khalifa's regime in Bahrain. Guest, Male #2 Demonstrators in Ottawa gathered in front of the Canadian parliament and headed to the Saudi embassy. We condemn the intervention of the Saudi and the Peninsula Shield forces in Bahrain. We also condemn the measures by the al-Khalifa-led government in Bahrain. Guest, Male #3 We are determined to continue our jihad and defend this revolution until all of its rights and demands are attained. Reporter, Male #1 The protesters called on countries around the world and human rights organizations to immediately intervene and stop the bloodbath in Bahrain. They also demanded the withdrawal of the Saudi occupation from the country. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021612?start=681 <p>Militias accused of wreaking havoc in Libya on revolt anniversary, Iraq inquiry accuses VP al-Hashemi of running death squads, Yemen's Houthis to engage in the political process, and more.</p> Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021612 Israel, Syria, Mossad, Syrian Civil War, New Delhi, Iran, Daraa, Homs, Arrest warrant, 2011 Libyan Uprising Presenter, Male #1 Bahrain's February 14 Youth Coalition called for returning to Pearl Roundabout on Friday, with the slogan "We're all returning on the Friday of Liberation". Meanwhile, the Bahraini regime's forces continue to besiege the island of Sitra near the capital al-Manama with dozens of military vehicles. The forces raided houses, assaulted residents, and arrested dozens. The regime forces suppressed marches across Bahrain, held in protest of the harassment of Sitra's residents. Eyewitnesses said these forces took the detainees from the island of Sitra to al-Wusta police station, where they were brutally tortured by officer Turkiya al-Majid and his assistant Hamad Turki. Reporter, Male #2 Protests continued in Bahrain as the regime's Saudi-backed military forces launched a violent repressive campaign against the protestors. They used poison gas and live bullets, wounding a number of protestors. The February 14 Youth Coalition called for organizing more demonstrations one day after protests commemorated the first anniversary of the uprising. Meanwhile, Bahrainis are facing difficulty in providing relief to those injured in the gunfire of regime forces, as the residents refuse to send the wounded to the hospital for fear of arrest. Most of the injured are being treated in homes or in private clinics. The Bahraini opposition confirmed the regime continues to practice this policy of repression, terror, and sectarian discrimination. It accused the regime of militarizing the country, of dividing it into security zones, and launching an arbitrary arrest campaign. Guest, Male #3 (Fadel Abbas, National Democratic Alliance Secretary General) We have overcome the violation of men, women, youths and even the arrest of children. Okay! Now, even the embryos carried by pregnant women are required to be aborted, because the embryos in the bellies of their mothers were disfigured by the use of poison gas. Reporter, Male #2 Reliable Bahraini sources confirmed that Saudi Arabia continues to deploy military reinforcements to Bahrain to crack down on the peaceful protests. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the Bahraini authorities to end the violence and respect the rule of law, according to his deputy spokesman. Guest, Male #4 (Eduardo del Buey, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary General) The Secretary General is concerned about reports of clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Bahrain in recent days. He is calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, and for Bahraini officials to respect their international human rights obligations as stipulated by international human rights law. Reporter, Male #2 However, the Bahraini regime continues to escalate its repression. Al-Alam TV sources reported that Bahraini security forces besieged the island of Sitra with a large number of military vehicles and launched an unprecedented arrest campaign against its citizens. Presenter, Male #1 With the help of the Saudi occupation, Bahraini regime forces began setting up sand barriers around Pearl Roundabout to prevent protestors from reaching the square on Friday. Eyewitnesses said bulldozers from the Saudi occupation's army began setting up sand and cement barriers, as well as barbed wires around Pearl Roundabout, which is considered by Bahraini revolutionaries to be a symbol of their struggle against the Bahraini regime. Meanwhile, thousands of protestors are preparing to return tomorrow to the square. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-bahrainis-stage-revolt-anniversary-protests?start=0 Armored vehicles patrolled Bahrain's capital in a security clampdown to deter protesters after overnight clashes outside Manama on the first anniversary of a forcibly suppressed pro-democracy uprising. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:48:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-bahrainis-stage-revolt-anniversary-protests Bahrain, Bahrain Uprising, Pearl Roundabout, Manama, Protest, Tear gas, Anniversary, Rubber bullet, Riot control, Gas mask Armored vehicles patrolled Bahrain's capital in a security clampdown to deter protesters after overnight clashes outside Manama on the first anniversary of a forcibly suppressed pro-democracy uprising. ---- An anti-government protester wearing her gas mask participates in a protest that attempted to march back to Al Farook Junction, formally known as Pearl Square, in the village of Sanabis, west of Manama, February 14, 2012. Anti-government protesters tried to march from all directions to reach to the junction but riot police dispersed them by firing tear-gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades. At least 25 protesters have been arrested throughout the daylong protests across the country http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021412?start=35 On the first anniversary of the eruption of protests, Bahraini security forces dispersed marches in al-Manama, Al Jazeera reports. Meanwhile, the Bahraini king called for unity and the rejection of what could tear apart Bahraini society. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021412 Bahrain Uprising, Palestinians, Manama, Pearl Roundabout, Bahrain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 On the first anniversary of the eruption of protests demanding reform and change, Bahraini security forces dispersed marches in al-Manama. Meanwhile, the Bahraini king called for unity and the rejection of what could tear apart Bahraini society. Reporter, Male #1 The Bahraini king makes a reappearance to remind the Bahraini people of a document they agreed to a decade ago and has become the equivalent of a charter between everyone. This time, it's as if he indicates that the past year should not impact Bahrain's future, even though 2011 was eventful. This was one year ago when protesters rallied in central Manama's Pearl Roundabout. Security forces demanded they leave the site, but they refused. On the other side, opponents were calling for preserving Bahrain's identity. Guest, Male #2 We do not agree to the demand of the downfall of the current government as one of the conditions. Reporter, Male #1 Opposition leaders and those calling for protests are accused of being affiliated with foreign powers, and this rally is a reaction to the events that took place in Pearl Roundabout. Authorities were monitoring the events, and when some areas, including some hospitals and neighborhoods, defied the authority of the security forces, everything began to change. Security forces warned protesters that if they did not leave the square, they would resort to violence. And indeed, clashes broke out. Security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets, and the opposition accused them of using live bullets. In turn, police reported injuries among its ranks, even the death of some of them, as protesters were being killed. Geopolitics are also had an impact with Saudi Arabia monitoring the situation. As for Iran and the Maliki government in Iraq, they was also observing and escalating the tone against Bahrain. The Peninsula Shield Force then entered Bahrain, generating reactions and counterreactions from regional forces. The US and European countries strongly criticized Bahrain, leading the Bahraini king to initiate an international investigation into the events. Guest, Male #3 The security institutions of the Bahraini government resorted to the use of excessive force. Reporter, Male #1 The committee concluded its mission with recommendations to reform, especially the security institutions and judiciary; recommendations the Bahraini authorities agreed to fulfill. It seems that everyone agrees on the necessity to reform one year since the protests erupted. However, the dispute lies with the implementation method. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021412?start=206 <p>Bahrain blocks return to Martyrs' Square on revolt anniversary, tension high as South Sudan accuses Sudan of air attack, Gaza's sole power station closes after running out of fuel, and more.</p> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021412 Bahrain Uprising, Palestinians, Manama, Pearl Roundabout, Bahrain, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War The Saudi-backed regime crackdown is at its peak as protestors mark the first anniversary of their revolution. Saudi-backed forces have injured at least five protestors in the capital Manama. They also fired tear gas to prevent the protestors trying to reach Manama's Pearl Square, also known as Martyrs' Square. Around 100 people, including men and women, have been arrested. Four US activists are among them. The head of Bahrain's Center for Human Rights, Nabeel Rajab, was also briefly arrested. The crackdown is going on in other parts of the kingdom. The latest violence comes as King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa claimed that Bahrain's constitution recognizes no such thing as an organized opposition. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-bahraini-protestors-confront-security-forces?start=0 Protestors and security forces clash today in the run-up to tomorrow's first anniversary of the unrest in Bahrain. Demonstrators have vowed to return to Pearl Roundabout, where protests began one year ago. The caption to this user-uploaded video from YouTube reads: "Heated confrontations: The mercenaries flee in the face of resilient youth on the day of the 'crawl to the square'." Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:40:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-bahraini-protestors-confront-security-forces Pearl Roundabout, Bahrain, Bahrain Uprising, Manama, Protest, Tear gas, Anniversary, Raw video, YouTube Protestors and security forces clash today in the run-up to tomorrow's first anniversary of the unrest in Bahrain. Demonstrators have vowed to return to Pearl Roundabout, where protests began one year ago. The caption to this user-uploaded video from YouTube reads: "Heated confrontations: The mercenaries flee in the face of resilient youth on the day of the 'crawl to the square'." http://news.linktv.org/videos/bahrain-deports-us-human-rights-observers?start=0 Bahrain arrested and deported two American citizens, Huwaida Arraf and Radhika Sainath, who are members of the Witness Bahrain initiative, which hopes to prevent violence by security forces using international observers. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:24:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/bahrain-deports-us-human-rights-observers Bahrain, Witness Bahrain, Bahrain Uprising, Huwaida Arraf, Radhika Sainath, Protest, Manama, Pearl Roundabout, Human rights in Bahrain, Deportation On Saturday, Bahrain arrested and detained two American citizens, Huwaida Arraf and Radhika Sainath, for their role in recent protests. They were deported Sunday and returned to New York last night. Both Arraf and Sainath are human rights activists and members of the Witness Bahrain initiative, which places international observers in the country in the hopes of preventing violence by security forces. Their arrest comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the popular uprising against the US-backed monarchy. In the past year, Bahraini security forces have killed dozens of demonstrators, and hundreds more have been arrested or fired from their jobs. "[We are] also were getting reports of journalists and human rights organization representatives being denied entry into the country in the lead up to the first anniversary of the Bahrain revolution and this caused great alarm, that the government was planning to escalate its oppression of the people," says Huwaida Arraf. ---- We turn now to Bahrain, where violence has escalated ahead of the one-year anniversary of the uprising against the U.S.-backed monarchy. In the past year, Bahraini security forces have killed dozens of demonstrators. Hundreds more have been arrested or fired from their jobs. Bahraini riot police engaged in pitched battles with petrol-bomb-throwing youth on Sunday, as violence escalated ahead of the February 14th anniversary, while King Hamad mocked the opposition for its, quote, "bad manners." On Saturday, Bahrain arrested and detained two U.S. citizens, Huwaida Arraf and Radhika Sainath, for their role in recent protests. They were deported Sunday, came back to New York yesterday. Both Arraf and Sainath are human rights activists, members of the Witness Bahrain initiative, which places Western observers in the country in order to inhibit violence by security forces. This video shows Huwaida's arrest. Bahrain security officials examine her American passport as she holds it but refuses to hand it over. Once they have identified her in the passport, she walks away, and a security officer follows and stops her. The website for Witness Bahrain, where this video and others are posted, is blocked in Bahrain. No, you can't take it. I'll show you where it says it's the property of the U.S. government, and it stays with U.S. citizens only— SECURITY OFFICIAL 1: Let people see it. —unless I'm with Immigration. SECURITY OFFICIAL 1: No problem. Let people see it, please. You can see it. See? SECURITY OFFICIAL 1: Yeah, come back, come back. Excuse me, please. Excuse me, ma'am. SECURITY OFFICIAL 2: Excuse me, ma'am. Excuse me, ma'am. You have to follow the order. We are police. Excuse me, ma'am. You don't have a right to go. Excuse me, ma'am. Excuse me, ma'am. Excuse me! Excuse me! Huwaida Arraf as she was arrested on Saturday by security forces in the Bahraini capital of Manama. Meanwhile, U.S. Navy commander, Vice Admiral Mark Fox, yesterday expressed his support for the small Gulf nation that's hosted U.S. Navy vessels for decades. Addressing the question of escalating tensions with Iran, Fox said Bahrain is, quote, "a long-term partner and a very important piece of our ability to do our mission." Bahrain is a key strategic ally of the United States in the Middle East, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. Late last month, several members of Congress expressed opposition to the Obama administration's decision to sell Bahrain military equipment despite the country's violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. The opposition was led by two Democrats: Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon and Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts. In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, they wrote: "In the case of Bahrain, any military equipment is a big reward and will be viewed as such by other governments and the people of Bahrain. The incentives are simply wrong." Well, to talk about the situation, we're joined by the two women who were just deported from Bahrain: Huwaida Arraf and Radhika Sainath, both deported yesterday. Welcome, both. Huwaida, describe why you were there and what the situation is and why they deported you. Sure. Well, we were in touch with Bahrain human rights activists and knew of the situation on the ground and also were getting reports of journalists and human rights organization representatives being denied entry into the country in the lead-up to the first anniversary of the Bahrain revolution. And this caused great alarm, that the government was planning to escalate its oppression of the people. And together with Bahraini human rights activists, we decided to try to provide independent monitors. And that's how Witness Bahrain was launched. We coordinated with some known human rights activists that have had experience in Palestine, in Lebanon, in Pakistan and in other regions, and we went. We did not announce the initiative until we were in the country, knowing that they would probably stop us. But that being said, we did not, in any way, forge or lie our way in. But once we got in and we announced ourselves—we announced ourselves on Friday to alert the government that we are watching in the hope that they would lessen their violence against demonstrators, and we were—two of us were arrested on Saturday and then deported almost immediately. And I believe they're looking for the rest. Radhika, your experience there and why you were protesting? Well, you know, what I experienced there was outrageous. And I just want to say, as an American, if I was treated in such a way, we can only imagine how Bahraini human rights activists are treated. And, you know, as Huwaida said, we came to both support Bahraini democracy activists in their struggle for human rights and equality, but also to monitor and document the police and the Bahraini government's treatment of peacful protesters. And that's what we were doing on Saturday when the Bahraini authorities arrested us and initiated deportation proceedings. Last year, Bahraini security forces killed dozens of protesters who demonstrated at Manama's Pearl Roundabout. Now Bahrain has hired former Miami and Philadelphia police chief John Timoney to train its police forces ahead of the anniversary of the demonstrations. Democracy Now! covered Timoney's militarized crowd control strategy, known as the "Miami Model," around the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia in 2000 and the Free Trade Area of the Americas summit meeting in Miami in 2003, when police used concussion grenades, pepper spray, tear gas, rubber bullets, baton charges to disperse protesters. Timoney spoke to NPR last month about his new consulting job in Bahrain. Host Robert Siegel asked if it's acknowledged in Bahrain that people have the right to have a protest. JOHN TIMONEY: Well, there's a couple of issues here. On a daily basis, you absolutely have the right to protest, to demonstrate. Here's where the problem comes in. It's a small city. JOHN TIMONEY: It reminds me more of Lower Manhattan than the rest of Manhattan, where you've got these narrow streets. And clearly, if you have unauthorized protests that are happening during the daytime, I mean, the traffic comes to a standstill. But you know, when you saw Occupy Wall Street, when people begin to engage in unauthorized marches that begin to cripple traffic and emergency vehicles to the rest of the city—you know, there's a reason why you have to go to the police department. It's not that they say yea or nay regarding your right to speech, but can this be handled that it doesn't dramatically and drastically impact the rest of society? Radhika Sainath, your response to Timoney? I mean, I think that it's completely outrageous, the United States' support for the Bahraini regime militarily. And it's really important that the U.S., that Barack Obama not find a way to support the military regime by this aid package. I do believe that it is—it does show support. And the Bahrainis know it. And when we were talking to human rights activists, repeatedly, the first thing they mention is, "Why is the United States supporting the Bahraini police with tear gas and with weapons? You know, we want basic freedoms such as the ones that you have in the United States. And, you know, why is your government not acknowledging that?" Huwaida Arraf? And I want to also make a comment on the role of the U.S., the U.S. administration. When we were in detention, the representative of the U.S. embassy did come visit us. And one thing that the police forces wanted to do is to take away all of our equipment, and they did, by force. But the American embassy representative was relaying that to us, in that they have a right to take away our equipment. And I said to her, "Well, our footage, we are documenting—we did interviews with people that had been tortured, with leaders of the pro-democracy movement, and I am very worried that this footage and this documentation is going to be used to target these activists. And you know what a horrible human rights record the Bahrain administration has. So I'm asking you, I'm asking the American government, to do something to make sure that the Bahraini government will not use the equipment and the material that they confiscate from me in order to target human rights activists." And the response was, "Well, we'll put your request through." And then there was nothing. And actually. the representative said, "Well" — she said to me, "Well, you took that chance, you know, with filming these things." And so, I'm really horrified because, you know, the U.S. government talks about a respect for human rights and democracy, and yet they wouldn't do something basic as take some kind of measure to make sure that what the government was going to take from us from force wouldn't be used to target and possibly torture more democracy activists. And just to add to that, they confiscated both of our laptops, Huwaida's video camera, digital camera, iPad— Phones. —cell phones, BlackBerry—everything that we have. And it's still in Bahraini custody, and they've refused to turn it over. And, you know, some of that equipment has photographs of human rights activists, phone numbers, other things. And we're very concerned about how that's going to be used by the government of Bahrain. Were you handcuffed on the flight back? We were. On the flight back here? On the flight from Bahrain to London. We came via London. We were both put in very tight hard plastic cuffs. We were cuffed behind our back, so we couldn't do anything. We couldn't eat, drink or go to the restroom. How long was the flight? It was a little over seven hours. Did the U.S. government protest what their ally was doing, that they had just made a major weapons deal with? No, we haven't heard a bit of protest yet. And we're hoping and we're hoping that people that hear this, and that even though we've been deported and we're upset that we can't be present in Bahrain, that maybe being here in the United States, we can do something to raise people's consciousness about what's happening and to have them protest the administration's support of the Bahraini government. What else did the ambassador tell you about the film that they took? Well, it was the deputy. It was— It was the vice consul. —the vice consul that came to see us. Nothing. Basically, she just asked if—she just came to see if—asked if we had been mistreated and then to convey that the Bahraini government, what they're doing is very typical and that they have a right to confiscate all of our equipment. Huwaida, you're very well known for your activism in the Occupied Territories, in the International Solidarity Movement, the Free Gaza Movement. How does this compare or relate and connect? Well, I think that it is an obligation for people—I feel an obligation—to support people that are fighting injustice all around the world. And in the same way that I'm resisting the Israeli occupation and supporting Palestinian freedom, supporting freedom protesters in Cairo, in Egypt, in Syria, in Bahrain, it's all part of that—the Occupy Wall Street movement. I mean, we are all fighting for basic freedom, democracy, human rights. And the idea for Witness Bahrain actually came from our experiences with the International Solidarity Movement, when we called on people from around the world to come to the occupied Palestinian territories and to stand with Palestinians that are being brutalized, brutally suppressed by the Israeli government, so that they can witness, document, and hopefully, with their presence, lessen the violence of the Israeli government. We thought that the same might work in Bahrain. Well, I want to thank you both for being with us. Radhika Sainath and Huwaida Arraf are lawyers, human rights activists, part of the Witness Bahrain initiative. They were deported last night back to the United States after protesting in Bahrain on this first anniversary of the uprising in Bahrain. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020912?start=34 Bahrain's February 14 Coalition called on the people to return to Pearl Roundabout under the slogan "Hand-in-hand, we are all returning." This, as night marches were held across the country reports Al-Alam. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020912 Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Iran, Protest, Iran-Israel relations, Civilian casualties, Military strike, Anniversary, Bahrain, Mahmoud Abbas Presenter, Male # 1 Bahrain's February 14 Coalition called on the people to return to Lulu, or Pearl Roundabout under the slogan "Hand-in-hand, we are all returning." This, as night marches were held across the country under the banner, "With our symbols, we are all returning." Protestors confirmed they will return to the square to seek self-determination. Meanwhile, political societies and youth groups intensified calls to prepare to return to the square on the first anniversary of the start of protests in Bahrain. The regime is also preparing to crack down on the mobilization and has started to deploy its forces across the capital and around Lulu Roundabout, raiding homes, and arresting revolutionaries and leaders. Among the activities planned to commemorate the first anniversary of protests launched on February 14, 2011 in Bahrain, al-Wefaq Islamic Society called on holding spiritual and revolutionary events. There are plans to visit the martyrs' tombs this afternoon and celebrate the Prophet's birth at night. On Friday, people will gather to perform Friday prayers together. A revolutionary mobilization is expected on Saturday and a reading of the Small Jawshan prayer and the People of the Frontiers supplication is planned for Monday. A revolutionary mobilization will take place on Tuesday, February 14 under the slogan "God is great." Meanwhile, groups from the February 14 Coalition cut off more than 90 roads, calling the action "the scream of female prisoners." Different main streets were also blocked off in a number of Bahraini provinces with iron chains and burning tires. Smoke could be seen in the sky of the capital Manama and at the international airport on Muharraq Island. The secret operation came as a surprise as the February 24 Coalition did not announce it beforehand, leading to heavy traffic in all main Bahraini streets. The February 14 Coalition threatened to increase action on the ground if female prisoners are not released. Popular forces and political societies in Bahrain agreed to head to Lulu Roundabout on February 14 to commemorate the launch of the intifada, or uprising, in the county. Reporter, Male # 2 Bahrainis continue to hold their peaceful demonstrations with the goal of attaining their legitimate demands of sweeping constitutional reforms. As part of this aspiration, all popular and political forces are preparing to return to Lulu, or Pearl Roundabout. The protest is being organized by popular groups and main political societies in the region of al-Mokshaa. They confirmed they will march toward the square on February 14. The protestors agree the regime must respond to the popular demands. The top demands are the downfall of the government and elections overseen by international monitors since the regime said the demands for democracy and freedom would be met. Demonstrators warned that continuing the crackdown and ignoring these demands will push their struggle to a point of no return. Guest, Male # 3 (Nabeel Rajab, President of Bahrain Center for Human Rights) The right of self-expression and the right of assembly. The regime is trying to strip us of these two rights. I confirm today that we will go to al-Manama to protest, without anyone's permission, and we'll challenge them. And I confirm this is one of our rights. Reporter, Male # 2 Al-Alam obtained images showing a side of the daily suffering endured by the residents of Bahrain amid what is now known as the clouds of toxic tear gas that loom over residential areas. Here, the regime's forces fire tear gas grenades at protestors and families in the area of al-Ma'ameer trying to save their child who asphyxiated from the gas. And within the context of the complicity of the West, and specifically the US, with the Bahraini regime in suppressing the popular protests, Bahraini activists posted images obtained from a soldier's phone. The images reveal the participation of the regime's security and military forces in joint training sessions with the US Marines to learn how to suppress peaceful protests. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-013112?start=540 The February 14th Youth Movement has affirmed a return en masse to the square in downtown Manama, Bahrain's capital, from February 12 to 15, reports Al-Alam. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-013112 Protest, Syria, Syrian Civil War, Bashar al-Assad, Mahmoud Abbas, Middle East Peace Process, Israel, Syrian army, Free Syrian Army, Amman Presenter, Male #1 In the town of Barbar in Shamaliyah or Northern Province, citizens organized a massive festival under the slogan "the Great Return to Pearl Roundabout." The February 14 Youth Movement launched the festival with the slogan "Return to the Martyrs Square," affirming a return en masse to the square in downtown Manama, Bahrain's capital, from February 12 to 15. This slogan was announced amid the masses' chants calling for unity among all opposition groups. Amnesty International demanded that Bahraini authorities release detainees, stating that nearly 3,000 people have been arrested during the protest movement and that 700 are still behind bars. The organization demanded that an independent investigation be launched into the torture cases of certain detainees, including prominent activist Fadhila Mubarak who was tried in a military court. Reporter, Male #2 With one march after another, the popular movement continues in Bahrain, affirming legitimate demands that the regime does not hesitate to reject. Nor does it hesitate to repress the peaceful protestors. The authorities are accused of terrorizing the protestors taking to the streets in the cities and countryside of the kingdom by using poisonous gas and shotguns. At the same time, political dissidents were arrested and tried in military courts. This was verified in the statement by a defense lawyer for the prominent opposition figures detained by Bahraini authorities in the capital Manama. Guest, Female #1 (Jalilah al-Said, Defense Lawyer for Detained Opposition Members) The government is refusing to stop the military trials. The civil trials ended on June 1, and the military trials began in October. Reporter, Male #2 Lawyer Jalilah al-Said indicated that the Bahraini authorities are continuing to refer civilian cases to military courts, even though it announced that the trials would be halted under the state of emergency months ago. Also in this press conference, she highlighted cases in which security institutions followed political activists and arrested them in a blatant violation of international charters and laws that protect freedom of speech. Guest, Female #1 Unfortunately, they are politicians and leaders. Therefore, this regime does not acknowledge democracy, nor does it allow citizens to participate in political life, nor does it accept a difference of opinions. Naturally, the dissidents become its targets. Reporter, Male #2 These statements condemning the Bahraini regime for continuing to violate human rights and freedom of speech coincided with Islamist party al-Wefaq's confirmation that detainees in Jaw Prison were subjected to suppression by security institutions. The security institutions attacked the detainees using poisonous gas, leading to cases of suffocation and pandemonium among the detainees. The party considered this act to be collective punishment for the hunger strike by prominent opposition figures and leaders in prison in protest of the harsh verdicts issued against them, in addition to the human rights violations by members of the Saudi-backed regime. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120911?start=522 Syrian protestors hold "dignity strike" to topple Assad regime, millions of Yemenis rally on the Friday of "revolutionary alignment," Sudan's first cabinet after south's secession brings little change, and more.<br /> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120911 Protest, Civilian casualties, Israel Defense Forces, Syria, Tear gas, Syrian Civil War, Palestinians, Israel, Bashar al-Assad, Friday prayers Saudi-backed regime of Bahrain continues its crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Regime forces have attacked the demonstrators in the capital Manama. Troops fired tear gas to disperse protestors who wanted to go to manama's Martyrs' Square, formerly known as Pearl Square. Elsewhere in the city, government troops also fired tear gas at the anti-regime protests to break up their rally. The demonstrators are calling for freedom and the downfall of the ruling al-Khalifa regime. They started taking to the streets back in February. Rallies have intensified over the past weeks despite the ongoing crackdown. Dozens of protestors have been killed and hundreds injured since the uprising began. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120811?start=254 Protestors reject Yemen's new government, viewing it as "partnership with killers," Iran displays downed US drone, Israeli air strike kills two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and more.<br /> Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120811 Israel, Protest, Iran, Air strike, Israel Defense Forces, Drone, Syria, US-Iran relations, Yemen Uprising, Pakistan In Bahrain, demonstrators have takent to streets near the capital Manama to protest against the ruling al-Khalifa family. They shouted slogans against Saudi Arabia and their country's rulers. They came out in thousands, marching in several towns and villages around the capital. They have vowed to continue their march to the landmark Pearl Square in Manama. The protestors have been taking to the streets since the beginning of this year, calling for the downfall of the regime. Dozens of demonstrators have been killed since the beginning of the revolution in mid-February. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120711?start=438 <p>Hundreds of Libyans demonstrate against former rebels, Bahraini forces attack protestors marching to Martyrs' Square, Afghanistan's Karzai blames Pakistan group for deadly attack, and more.</p> Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-120711 Protest, Israel, Demonstration (people), 2011 Libyan Uprising, Egyptian Parliamentary Election 2011-2012, Bahrain Uprising, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Syrian Civil War, Homs, Yemen Uprising Presenter, Female #1 According to al-Alam sources in Bahrain, tens of thousands of demonstrators are marching to Martyrs' Square, formerly known as Pearl Roundabout, in a bid to stage protest rallies there. The sources added that Bahraini security forces intercepted the march and clashed with the protestors. Despite the regime's crackdown and the fact that many protestors sustained gas inhalation injuries, the massive crowd refused to disperse. Clashes erupted between the regime's mercenaries and demonstrators who insisted on marching to the square. Fierce clashes also erupted on the main street leading to Sanabis, where the regime's mercenaries attempted to run over demonstrators. Meanwhile, regime forces stormed the town of al-Diyah and opened indiscriminate fire at the protestors, injuring hundreds of them. Confrontations also erupted in the area of Jid Hafs near the city's market. The regime's mercenaries also prevented ambulances from reaching the confrontation scenes. Deputy Secretary General of al-Wefaq National Islamic Society Sheikh Hussein al-Daihi escaped an assassination attempt during a nighttime protest rally in the town of Diyah. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110411?start=297 <p>Syrian regime's live bullets kill Arab League initiative, Saudi-backed Bahraini forces attack thousands of mourners, Israel blocks "Freedom Waves" from entering besieged Gaza, and more.</p> Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-110411 Iran, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Jordan, G20, Bahrain, Gaza, Yemen Uprising, Iraq, Supreme National Security Council In Bahrain, Saudi-backed regime forces have attacked thousands of people out mourning the death of yet another protestor. Regime forces attacked mourners marching to the landmark Pearl Square in the capital Manama. Huge crowds gathered in the nearby town of Sanabis for the funeral of 70-year-old Ali al-Daihi. He was attacked by regime forces on Wednesday night while protesting against the al-Khalifa rule. He succumbed to his injuries several hours later. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081011?start=263 <p>Iraqi cleric al-Sadr renews warning to US forces in the country, Bahrain's February 14 Movement call for another "self-determination" march, Syrian army withdraws from Hama as crackdown continues elsewhere, and more.</p> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-081011 Protest, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, Syrian Civil War, Muqtada al-Sadr, Gaza, Libya, Iraqi Kurdistan, Israel Presenter, Female # 1 Supporters of Bahrain's February 14 Revolution issued a statement asking Bahrainis to respond to the youth coalition's call to attend Thursday night's "Self-Determination VII" march in the Sanabis area, located near Pearl Roundabout. The statement condemned the al-Khalifa regime's attempt to thwart the people's revolution with its crackdown, harassment campaign, and martial law. The statement confirmed the commitment to the popular slogan "the people want to topple the regime" instead of "reform the regime." For its part, al-Wefaq National Islamic Society announced it will hold a festival next Friday under the banner "No Retreat," on what it called the Friday of Decisiveness. Meanwhile, the Bahraini regime's investigative committees issued a notice that included the names of all those who were fired or suspended from their jobs in government institutions because of their objection to the regime and their participation in protests. Reporter, Male # 1 This Bahraini scene is repeated every day and every night. The popular mobilization is ongoing with marches and demonstrations reiterating slogans demanding genuine reforms, calling on the regime to end its policy of oppression, terror, and sectarian discrimination. This cry continues until nighttime. However, security forces backed by Saudi occupation forces respond with gunfire and stun grenades. Saudi interference was strongly condemned by the people. The martyrs and the detainees' family members organized a protest in front of the fact-finding commission's office in Manama. They condemned the intervention of Saudi occupation forces in the country and demanded their immediate withdrawal from Bahrain. This comes as opposition al-Wefaq National Islamic Society announced it will continue its popular gatherings. It indicated it is organizing a festival next Friday under the banner of "No Retreat" on what it called the Friday of Decisiveness. At the same time, politically-motivated dismissals continue according to the latest figures. Reports indicate authorities waged a termination campaign that affected dozens of employees at the University of Bahrain due to their participation in demonstrations or for partaking in social networking sites. In the same context, employees fired from the Ministry of Education confirmed the number of those who were terminated or suspended has exceeded 132 employees, contradicting the ministry's statement. They confirm disciplinary boards investigated with many teachers. Guest, Male # 2 (Hussein Yousef, Bahraini politician) We used to endure discrimination, now we endure discrimination and the dismissal of over 3,000 employees. We used to endure the impunity of oppressors, we had the martyrs of the 1990s; we used to deal with what activists have been subjected to for the past ten years. Now, we have many more people martyred, tortured, had their money stolen, and their rights violated. Reporter, Male # 1 As for the torture policy recently revealed by former Member of Parliament Mattar Ibrahim Mattar, it is being repeated with Dr. Saeed al-Samahiji, an ophthalmologist at Salmaniya Hospital who had a stroke while being tortured in a Manama prison. Meanwhile, additional doctors accused of participating in protests are being terminated under the supervision of the Minister of Health and Minister of Development and Human Rights Fatima al-Balushi. Dozens of medics remain in jail, accused of treating demonstrators during Bahrain's protest movement. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061511-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=494 <p>Fighting rages across Sudan's Southern Kordofan state, thousands flee northern Syrian town as Damascus stages pro-Assad rally, Bahrainis march in support of political prisoners, and more.</p> Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-061511-world-news-from-the-middle-east Israel, Syria, Gaza, Turkey, Palestinians, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya, Pakistan Presenter, Female #1 Organizations leading the protests in Bahrain called for marches and rallies paving the way for the return to Martyrs Square, formerly known as Pearl Roundabout. A number of regions in Bahrain witnessed fresh protests. The regime's security forces confronted the protestors using live bullets and tear-gas. Reporter, Male #1 Protests in Bahrain continue despite the crackdown on the civilians by the authorities' forces, backed by Saudi occupation forces. Residents of the Sitra region organized a march in solidarity with the detainees in Bahraini prisons. For their part, residents of Sanabis also descended on the streets to voice their support of the nation's symbols and protest the violence in Bahrain that does not spare children, women, medical personnel, or even officials, all in the pretext of participating in the popular protests. Protestors marched in the town's streets chanting slogans to topple the government as the first conditional step before beginning any dialogue with the Bahraini government. Protests extended in a number of regions in Bahrain. Various villages and towns in the country witnessed nightly protests condemning the international silence surrounding what is happening in Bahrain. Bahraini security forces confronted the protests with live bullets, tear-gas, and smoke, and hunted down protestors on the streets and in alleys. Meanwhile, Bahraini youth organizations called for descending on Pearl Roundabout, also known as Martyrs Square, to continue demanding fundamental reforms in the country. As part of a campaign to confront the media, the Bahraini authorities decided to sue the British newspaper, the Independent, and its renowned writer Robert Fisk for his coverage of the bloody repression practiced by the Bahraini authorities against peaceful protestors. Legally, the president of the Coalition for the International Campaign against Impunity, May al Khansa is to submit a new complaint this Friday to the International Criminal Court in Hague of the Netherlands against the Bahraini regime for committing crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. Al Khansa explained that she will discuss the final edition of the complaint with 15 European lawyers, which will be backed with irrefutable evidence and documents that confirm the truth of what is happening in Bahrain against unarmed civilians.