Five People Killed in Bahraini Regime Crackdown

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has announced the death of five people in raids on protesters gathering in the northwestern village of Dirza.

On Tuesday, over 280 people were also detained during the attack, according to the ministry.

Earlier in the day, Bahraini regime forces stormed into the residence of Sheikh Isa Qassim in the village, arresting everyone inside the house. It is not yet clear whether Sheikh Qassim himself is among the detainees, press TV reported.

Security forces fired birdshots at protesters and teargas into the house of the prominent cleric.

The village has been a scene of protests since last June, when authorities stripped the cleric of his citizenship over accusations that he used his position to serve foreign interests and promote “sectarianism” and “violence.” He has denied the allegations.

Following the brutal operations, Bahraini clerics called for mass nationwide protests.

 Amnesty condemns Bahrain violent crackdown

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has slammed the Manama regime’s excessive use of force against protesters, stressing that the village has been under siege for over 11 months.

“Today’s disturbing developments again show the consequences of rampant impunity enjoyed by the security forces. There must be a prompt, independent investigation and those responsible for unlawful killing and other arbitrary or abusive force must be prosecuted. The authorities must rein in the security forces, order that they strictly comply with international standards on police use of force, and ensure the right to peaceful protest is protected,” said Amnesty’s Director of Campaigns Samah Hadid.

Bahraini regime gets US green light to oppress Bahrainis: Analyst

According to Ibrahim Mousawi, a political analyst, Tuesday’s clampdown on the opposition figures and protesters in Bahrain means that the Al Khalifah regime has got the “green light” from the United States to oppress the Bahraini people.

“The Bahraini regime has gained a lot of support after the meeting with the American President Donald Trump,” Mousawi told Press TV on Tuesday.

H.M