Amnesty International criticises Bahrain over 'excessive force'

A report released by the London-based rights group Amnesty International on Thursday criticised Bahraini officials for a "systematic use of excessive force" against protesters, following the deaths of at least 12 people in the past four weeks. 

The seven-page report, titled Bloodied but Unbowed: Unwarranted State Violence against Bahraini Protesters, provided testimonies from witnesses and those injured, and showed graphic images of people severely wounded and killed in the crackdown. 

"The authorities must exercise proper control over the security forces, uphold and protect the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, including the right to peaceful protest," said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa. 

A number of the materials and weapons used against protesters was made abroad, according to the report. 

The report found that US-made tear gas canisters, US-made 37mm rubber multi-baton rounds, French-made tear gas grenades, and French- made rubber "dispersion" grenades, which fragment into 18 pieces and produce a loud sound effect, were used against protesters. 

AI urged at least 10 countries, including Germany, France, Britain and the United States, to stop supplying munitions to Bahrain. 

A video that circulated widely online showed a security officer shooting an unarmed man in the abdomen and head. The video, which could not be independently verified, led to worldwide condemnation. 

Clearly identifiable medical workers were also targeted by police while trying to help wounded protesters in the capital Manama, said the rights group. 

Following the upswing in violence on Wednesday, which left at least three protesters and two security officials dead, the Bahraini military warned against any protests in the country. 

Additionally, a military curfew has been imposed between 4 pm and 4 am for areas of the capital. 

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa also declared a state of emergency, authorizing defence forces to use all means necessary to restore order as the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council sent troops to help quell the uprising.