|
|
|
|
|
TITLE: Don't Forget Prisoners of Conscience in Jordan |
AUTHOR: Ibrahim Alloush |
PUB: |
DATE: DECEMBER 28, 2000 |
|
On the occasion of Eid ul Fitr, Christmas, and the New Year, don't forget the prisoners of conscience languishing in the jails of the Jordanian General Intelligence Division. One day before the Eid, fifty common criminals were released to spend the Eid with their families, but none of the dozens being jailed in connection to Pro-Intifada demonstrations received such leniency. Please do your share to help. If you've already sent a message of protest to the addresses we provided, send another one. If you've already sent two messages, send a third. The important thing is to keep this issue alive. Go to this web-site. Below you shall also find excerpts from a message from Bahrain on the oppression of pro-Intifada demonstrators there, and the official move to turn Bahrain into a monarchy. Just change the names, and you are most likely going to have, to this or that extent, a blueprint of your Arab regime. Organization: Bahrain Freedom Movement Fri, 22 Dec 2000 12:00:40 Bahrain: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators attacked and repression increased The security forces attacked a pro-Palestinian march on 22 December at 1.30 pm (local time) in Ras Romman, Manama. Citizens gathered after the end of Friday prayer in Ras Romman grand mosque to mark the Day of Quds. They started their peaceful march chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and calling for an end to Israeli aggression. Two lorries, four jeeps and two other vehicles, as well as several salon cars, fully laden with security forces and intelligence officers, started attacking the citizens with tear and smothering gases. Scores were arrested on the spot and many youths had their identity cards confiscated for further interrogations. The so-called charter committee has rubber-stamped the Al-Khalifa intentions to convert Bahrain's modern constitution into a medieval monarchical one where citizens will be treated as subjects. The hand-picked members of the committee have met in secret for the past three weeks and have accepted to act on behalf of the ruling Al-Khalifa family for changing not only the constitution, but also the history and identity of Bahrain. The document that was handed to the Amir is similar to the original one that was drafted by foreign experts imported by Al-Khalifa to re-write Bahrain's history. The rubber-stamped document contains gross errors. It refers to Isa bin Ali Al-Khalifa who ruled between 1869 and 1923 as a hero who practiced "direct democracy". It also says that he ruled for 65 years while in fact he was installed by the British in 1869 and removed by the British in 1923, hence 54 years. His son was then made a ruler and he was deposed. His rule was the worst in the history of Bahrain, which was feudally controlled by Al-Khalifa sheikhs who followed no rules other than plundering the properties of the people of Bahrain and committing crimes such as raping and murdering. Many of these cases are documented and can be checked by historians in the British Foreign Public Records. Moreover, the document glorifies the role of the military forces, the national guard and the security forces, thus indicating the true intentions of the Al-Khalifa family who is intent on changing Bahrain into a ?kingdom". The document refers to the "will of the people" while at the same time the people have been prevented from knowing the deliberations and all seminars on the subject were banned. The document also says that its articles are over and above those of the constitution. Hence, the Al-Khalifa can change, and re-change in the future as they wished, and would consider these silly documents above the social contract. Bahrain Freedom Movement Tel/Fax: () 207 278 9089 END |