Bahrain: Authorities' use of 'deadly force' in protest camp clearance condemned

Amnesty International has condemned the Bahraini authorities’ forcible eviction of a peaceful protest camp in the centre of the capital Manama that reportedly left at least three and possibly as many as six people dead.

Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa Director Malcolm Smart said:

“The Bahraini authorities have again reacted to legitimate protest by using deadly force.

They must end their continuing crackdown on activists calling for reform.

“They must also carry out a full impartial investigation into the force used this morning against peaceful protestors, including families with Children's rights, and whether the use of deadly force was justified.

"If not, those who gave the orders and used excessive force must be brought to justice."

Two people were killed in Bahrain earlier this week in incidents involving the security forces during continuing protests calling for political reform.

Read our report: ' Crackdown in Bahrain: Human rights at the crossroads ' (pdf)

Note to editors
Amnesty International’s experts on Bahrain are available for comment and analysis.