It is the second anniversary of the uprising in Bahrain but prisoners of conscience are still behind bars, writes the head of Amnesty International Ireland.
“We believe that all people have a fundamental freedom to participate in civil acts of peaceful disobedience,” said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.
The members of the INMO have joined a vigil to highlight the trial of health professionals in Bahrain, and are calling for the release of their fellow professionals.
Human rights activist Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, who previously worked for the Dublin-based Frontline Defenders, has been on hunger strike in Bahrain since 8 February.
The Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix has gone ahead despite claims that a man was killed during clashes with security forces, however the country’s Interior Ministry said a probe was now “under way”.
The Bahraini government insists it is on the road to reform – but Amnesty International has condemned its “piecemeal” efforts, accusing that state of continuing human rights violations including torture.
The FIA’s decision to go ahead with next week’s Bahrain Grand Prix has triggered a renewal of hostilities between riot police and anti-government protestors.
Abdulhadi Al Khawaja is entering his 61st day of hunger strike. Eoin Lynch tells us his story and why people are calling on those involved with Formula 1 to speak out about Abdulhadi’s imprisonment.
Bahrain’s win raised suspicions because it needed to make up a nine-goal deficit on rival Qatar in the group standings to have a chance of advancing to the next round.
“The majority of people in this country consume alcohol in a moderate, responsible manner that is entirely compatible with a healthy lifestyle and in line with European norms,” said Kathryn D’Arcy, director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland.
Some people can no longer afford to drink alcohol, others could be looking after their health, while many have suggested that the reduction in consumption could be related to emigration rates.
So today we want to know what do you think. Have you reduced your alcohol consumption in the past year?
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