Bahrain to lift state of emergency

[News_Editor]

Bahrain to lift state of emergency

2011-05-09 02:28:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANAMA, BAHRAIN (BNO NEWS) -- Bahrain's king on Sunday issued a decree to lift the state of emergency on June 1, the Bahrain News Agency reported.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa declared in mid-March a three-month state of emergency in the country after Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) troops arrived to Bahrain to help protecting the country following weeks of violent protests.

The GCC Secretary-General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani praised the king's decision and "lauded the positive developments" in the country.

"The announcement of the imminent lifting of the State of National Safety is the proof that Bahrain has regained its security and stability", Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani said, as cited by the state agency.

Bahrain's social unrest began after protesters called for a "Day of Rage" on February 14 to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter, which returned the country to constitutional rule after the 1990s uprisings.

Initially, people took to the streets to demand reform and the introduction of a constitutional monarchy, but later they began to call for the removal of the royal family, which has ruled the country for almost 40 years. Bahrain is ruled by the Sunni Muslim al-Khalifa family, but two-thirds of its population is Shiite.

In March, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait deployed their troops to Bahrain to reinforce a massive armed crackdown on the popular uprising. Scores of people have been allegedly killed and thousands injured in the government-authorized violence.

The United Nations has voiced deep concern about the continued detention of hundreds of activists, including teachers, lawyers, journalists and bloggers, medical professionals, artists, activists and members of political bodies.

According to the government of Bahrain, the number of people in detention was listed at 400, but the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said it had received information that the figure may be higher than 1,000, while more than 50 people remain unaccounted for.

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