Bahrain's Publicity Strategies: Spreading Awareness And Knowledge

Bahrain is a small Arab state in the Persian Gulf, comprising Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. The name derives from the Arabic 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'. The country has a long history as an entrepôt for trade and is believed to be the site of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun. Today, Bahrain is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family, who have opened the country's port facilities to foreign naval fleets.

In 2011, Bahrain was affected by the Arab Spring, with anti-government protests taking place in the capital, Manama. The country's Shia majority has long chafed under the rule of the Sunni king, and in 2011, protests escalated into bloodshed and clashes with the army. The Bahraini government defended the crackdown, but numerous witnesses reported that security forces attacked unarmed demonstrators.

In recent years, Bahrain has accused Iran of biological aggression in relation to the spread of COVID-19, and the country has also experienced a cholera outbreak.

The Bahraini government's crackdown on anti-government protests in 2011

The following day, on February 15, security forces opened fire on mourners attending the funeral of the protester killed on February 14, killing one person and injuring 25 more. Thousands of protesters then marched to the Pearl Roundabout in the capital, Manama, and occupied it, setting up camps and staying overnight. On February 17, security forces retook control of the roundabout in a deadly raid, killing four protesters and injuring over 300. Manama was subsequently placed under lockdown, with tanks and armed soldiers patrolling the city.

On February 19, protesters re-established their camps at the Pearl Roundabout after the crown prince assured them they would be allowed to stay. However, the government crackdown continued, and on February 26, a hardline Shiite dissident, Hassan Mushaimaa, was allowed to return to Bahrain as part of several concessions by the ruling Al Khalifa family to the majority Shiites. Despite these concessions, tensions escalated, and on March 3, clashes broke out between Sunnis and Shiites, marking the first direct confrontation between the two communities since the start of the protests.

On March 14, the Bahraini government requested military aid from its Gulf Cooperation Council allies. The following day, Saudi Arabia deployed about 1,000 troops, and the United Arab Emirates sent about 500 police officers to Bahrain. A state of emergency was declared, and martial law was imposed. The Pearl Roundabout, the centre of the protests, was cleared, and the iconic statue at its centre was demolished. A brutal crackdown on protesters followed, with security forces carrying out midnight house raids, beatings at checkpoints, and denial of medical care.

The Bahraini government's response to the 2011 anti-government protests was widely condemned by human rights groups and the international community. A report by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry confirmed the government's use of lethal force, torture, and other human rights abuses during the crackdown. The crackdown resulted in the deaths of dozens of protesters and the arrest and torture of thousands more. The crackdown also had a chilling effect on freedom of expression and the media, with journalists and bloggers among those targeted for arrest and intimidation.

The role of the media in publicising the 2011 protests

The 2011 protests in Bahrain were inspired by the Arab Spring and led by the Shia-dominant and some Sunni minority Bahraini opposition. The protests were a series of demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience and violent resistance. They were publicised through social media websites, online forums, emails, and text messages. The protesters demanded greater political freedom and equality for the 70% Shia population.

The media coverage of the protests was also confusing, with conflicting reports of deaths and violence by both government forces and anti-government protesters. The government also prevented the publishing of Al-Wasat, the country's main opposition newspaper, and blocked its website.

The Bahraini government's response to the protests was criticised by human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Physicians for Human Rights, who documented the alleged atrocities and strongly condemned the authorities' response.

The role of social media in publicising the 2011 protests

Social media played a significant role in the 2011 Bahraini protests, which were inspired by the regional Arab Spring. Bahrain had a high level of internet usage in 2011, with 88% of its population online.

Protestors utilised social media to organise demonstrations, disseminate information about their activities, and raise local and global awareness of ongoing events. Social media was also used to shape political debates and, in some cases, governments used it to engage with citizens.

In Bahrain, social media contributed to social and political mobilisation, with the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA) established to target and launch cyber attacks against the political opposition and news websites. The SEA is a "hacktivist" group that remains active.

The use of social media in the Arab Spring has been debated, with some arguing that it did not play a decisive role in the uprisings. However, research has shown that online revolutionary conversations often preceded mass protests, and that social media did play a central role in shaping political debates.

The role of the international community in responding to human rights abuses

The international community has responded to human rights abuses in Bahrain in various ways, with some organisations and countries taking a more active role than others.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

NGOs have played a crucial role in focusing the international community's attention on human rights issues in Bahrain. They have been at the forefront of advocating for human rights, monitoring government actions, and pressuring them to uphold human rights principles. Examples of such NGOs include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. They have documented violations, called for remedial action, and mobilised public support and condemnation of abuses.

Intergovernmental Organisations

The United Nations (UN) has also been involved in addressing human rights abuses in Bahrain. The UN's Human Rights Council has included Bahrain in its country-specific resolutions and mechanisms, such as the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence. Additionally, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has engaged with Bahrain, although a planned visit in 2022 was cancelled by the Bahraini government.

Foreign Governments

Some foreign governments, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland, have also voiced concerns and taken actions regarding human rights abuses in Bahrain. They have made diplomatic statements, sent letters, and questioned Bahraini officials about specific cases and issues. However, the effectiveness of these actions has been questioned, especially in light of continued economic and political relations between these countries and Bahrain.

International Media

International media outlets have played a role in reporting on human rights abuses in Bahrain and bringing attention to the situation. However, Bahrain has restricted media freedom and access, making it challenging for journalists to operate in the country.

The role of the Bahraini monarchy in human rights abuses

The Bahraini monarchy has been accused of human rights abuses by several international organisations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. The monarchy has been criticised for its treatment of the country's Shia Muslim population, who face discrimination and marginalisation. Here is an overview of the role of the Bahraini monarchy in human rights abuses:

• Discrimination against Shia Muslims: The ruling Sunni Al Khalifa family has been accused of establishing a system of "political apartheid" based on racial, sectarian, and tribal discrimination against the Shia Muslim majority. Shia Muslims are barred from holding key government posts, serving in the police or military, and living in certain areas.
• Destruction of Shia mosques: During the 2011 Arab Spring crackdown, the Bahraini government was responsible for the destruction of dozens of long-standing Shia mosques.
• Torture and forced disappearances: Torture, forced disappearances, and ill-treatment of detainees are common in Bahrain. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, established by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in 2011, confirmed incidents of physical and psychological abuse of detainees during the 2011 unrest. However, the report was criticised for not disclosing the names of individual perpetrators and for limited accountability.
• Statelessness: Bahrain has a growing problem of stateless people, known as Bedoon, who are often denied basic rights such as residency, travel, and access to education and government jobs.
• Death sentences and executions: Death sentences and executions have increased in Bahrain in recent years. According to a report by Reprieve and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, death sentences have increased by over 600% in the last decade.
• Restriction of freedom of expression: Bahrain has been criticised for restricting freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Human rights defenders, journalists, and opposition leaders have been arrested, prosecuted, and harassed for their activities and social media activity. The monarchy has also been accused of targeting the family members of prominent activists.
• Prison conditions: Overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and denial of medical care in Bahrain's prisons have led to concerns about the health and hygiene conditions for inmates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahrain released some prisoners but excluded opposition leaders, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
• Lack of accountability: Oversight mechanisms are not independent of the government, and there is a lack of accountability for officials implicated in human rights abuses.

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