Bahrainis Reject King’s Speech, Military Trials Continue
Bahraini anti-regime protesters have rejected King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa's decision to pardon the demonstrators who were arrested during the country's popular uprising.
The protesters took to the streets immediately after the king's televised speech on Sunday, blaming him for the brutal crackdown on the peaceful demonstrations.
"Bahrain will dismiss charges against some people detained during crackdowns against protests and allow compensation to prisoners abused by security forces," the Bahraini king claimed Sunday in a nationally broadcast speech.
The announcement came more than six months after his regime launched sweeping crackdowns against demonstrators seeking their basic rights.
In the speech, King Hamad offered no clear concessions toward Bahrain's protests.
At least 41 people have been martyred and hundreds arrested since protests began in February, inspired by other Arab uprisings.
King Hamad also noted that Bahrain's Supreme Court will oversee compensation payments for victims of abuses or for families of those martyred during unrest, including security forces.
"There are those who were arrested, and investigations proved that they were the victims of individual behavior and were ill-treated in custody," the king said.
"This is not tolerated by God and we do not condone it," he added.
He noted, however, that protest-related trials will continue.
Earlier Sunday, a special security court resumed the trial of 20 doctors and nurses accused of links to anti-discriminate protests. The court adjourned until Sept. 7, when it will begin hearing defense witnesses. The doctors and nurses are among more than 45 medical personnel facing charges from the protests.
Bahrain's use of the security court, which includes military and civilian judges, has been strongly criticized by rights groups.
The king reiterated Bahrain's pledge to move all "civil cases" into civilian courts.
It's unclear how many will remain with the security court set up during months of martial law-style rule in the strategic island nation, which is home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
Al-Khalifa also promised to reinstate employees and students who have been dismissed for participating in anti-regime protests.
Thousands of employees lost their jobs in punishment for supporting the protests.
Some of the students were denied scholarships to study abroad.
Source: News Agencies
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