Bahraini Government’s Response to Violent Uprisings

On Monday, protesters called for action against the government officials who were accused of restraining the peaceful demonstrations. As Bahraini’s gathered to rally for reform, Bahrain’s king set up an international panel in an effort to investigate the Shi’ite-led protests and the deaths of over 30 people as a result.  Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni, the head of the five-member panel, reported on Sunday that the panel would meet with both government officials and members of the opposition for their investigations. Additionally, the panel will visit hundreds of prisoners currently in custody.  The panel will also be investigating the role of the security forces in the demonstrations.  Bassiouni said that the panel is expected to report its findings in October.

Thus far, 32 people have been killed during the crackdown, hundreds were arrested and 2,000 were either dismissed or suspended from their jobs.

Alternatively, participants in the national dialogue discussed the possibility of expanding the powers of Bahrain’s elected Parliament.  The talks ended on Sunday and had been implemented in an effort to propose reforms after the crackdown began four months ago, however, there has been speculation over the effectiveness of the dialogue since the largest Shiite opposition group, Wefaq walked out of the dialogue.