BAHRAIN AND THE ARAB UPRISING
Posted on | May 28, 2013 | No Comments
Dear Friend
BAHRAIN AND THE ARAB UPRISING
FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE, UPPER GOAT LANE, NORWICH
TUESDAY 4TH JUNE, 7pm
All welcome – Admission Free
SPEAKER: SAYED ALWADAEI
Sayed Alwadaei is a Bahraini youth activist who lives in exile. He was
jailed for six months in Bahrain for speaking to the international media
and calling for democracy. The Bahraini uprising is one of the longest and
most peaceful revolutions, yet the least covered by the Western media..
David Cameron has entertained King Hamad bin lsa al-Khalifa of Bahrain in
Downing Street several times. Apparently they discussed regional
stability, trade opportunities for British companies in the Gulf and human
rights. The latter has never been a priority for Britain, while protecting
western firms’ oil interests and selling armaments to Arab dictators has.
“Stability” in this context means maintaining the status quo in the
region, which the people do not wish to tolerate.
The Al-Khalifa’s despotic regime was first imposed by Britain over 200
years ago. Today the kingdom is an integral part of the Sunni Arab Gulf
dictatorships that are central to preserving British and American
interests and influence in the area. Bahrain is home to the U S navy’s 5th
fleet. Its government consists largely of the King’s family members.
In November 2011 an international commission of inquiry into regime
brutality found systematic violations. It called for all “prisoners of
conscience” to be released and other reforms – all ignored by the regime
without any action from the West.
The February 2011 popular uprising has been ruthlessly suppressed by the
regime, with many killed or imprisoned and tortured simply for demanding
their human rights. Nevertheless two years later, they have remained
faithful to their revolution, slogans and human values. Their daily
protests have continued against all the odds, including the political and
security support by some Western governments for the antiquated Al-Khalifa
regime.
This event is being organised by Norwich Stop the War Coalition.
We cannot offer you tea in Downing Street, just the truth about these
historic events from an eyewitness.
For more information contact Frank on 01493 664499
Nick O’Brien Chair
Frank M Stone Convenor
Norwich Stop the War Coalition
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