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| Arabia |
| Bahrain begins freeing political prisoners |
| 2011-02-24 |
| [Arab News] Bahrain has freed 23 people accused of trying to topple the island's government, along with other prisoners and people jugged in last week's protests, a Shiite opposition politician said on Wednesday. The prisoner release was a further concession to the mainly Shiite protesters who erupted into the streets last week to demand a constitutional monarchy and an elected government, emboldened by a surge of popular unrest across the Arab world. It also preceded the expected return to Bahrain of Hassan Mushaimaa, leader of the hard-line Shiite Haq party, who had been tried in absentia for his part in the alleged coup plot. Ibrahim Mattar of the main Shiite Wefaq party said more than 100 prisoners had been freed overnight, but dozens remained in jail. Those released included 21 common criminals, he said. "Allowing the people to protest and releasing those people are positive moves," Mattar said. Opposition groups were waiting for the royal family to accept the principle of a constitutional monarchy before they would enter into a dialogue, he added. Majority Shiites have long complained of discrimination in Sunni-ruled Bahrain. They want to overhaul the current system where Bahrainis vote for a parliament that has little power and policy remains the preserve of an elite centered on the royal Al-Khalifa family. The Al-Khalifa dynasty has ruled Bahrain for 200 years, and the family dominates a cabinet led by the king's uncle, who has been prime minister since independence from Britain in 1971. Concessions so far have been to allow peaceful protests and to offer dialogue on reform. "The main point we are waiting for is the initiative for political reform. Until now they didn't promise anything," Mattar said. "If they don't say it, we are wasting our time." |
| Posted by:Fred |