Alarming Account from Bahrain
We were saddened last week by the abduction/arrest of Mattar Ebrahim Mattar, one of the 18 opposition Members of Parliament in Bahrain who resigned on February 27 in protest against violence by the Bahraini government against nonviolent demonstrators calling for reform. I’ve known Mattar since 2009, when he participated in a series of workshops that we helped organize here in Washington, and he is exactly the kind of bright, reform-minded, moderate opposition voice that we should want to see playing a role in Arab politics – not violently abducted by masked, armed men on behalf of the government. This is only the latest move in the government’s brutal targeting of most opposition figures in recent weeks. Please find here an account of Mr. Mattar’s abduction last Monday, which we have received from contacts in Bahrain who remain anonymous for their protection, but have asked us to share it online.
#Bahrain has no future when the govt sponsor a real feeling of terror in the communities across the country. Deeper and deeper the govt go in terms of Human Rights abuse, abduction, torture, intimidation.The troops on the ground operate without any apparent constraint, issuing arbitrary and serious beating on the streets, even of children. The fear factor has all but silenced a wonderful people. Moderate with moderate hope that a more representative govt in Bahrain would organise for all Bahrianis.
We demand the freedom of Mattar. Nobody knows anything about where he is Nor the kind of charges held against him
He is a loyal Bahraini citizen who shouldn’t be imprisoned
i know Matter Ebrahim Mattar and love him like a son. He is a very nice person and God knows how muh i upset about his arrest, but i don’t know how to help in order to release him. I appreciate each effort done or going to be done helping his release.I pray to God every day and i believe in his mighty and mercy.
we highly appreciate all efforts to save Mattar from the hands of criminals