BHRWS refutes claims about Ashoora violations

Manama : Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) yesterday dismissed the allegations of religious freedom violations committed by the Kingdom as “an attempt to falsify the facts about Bahrain”.

Reacting strongly to the criticism voiced by some of the visual media outlets, Romeo Fernando, Rights and Religious Freedom Director of BHRWS, in a statement, said: “The Government of Bahrain is always keen on ensuring the rights of all sects, Muslims and non-Muslims, without discrimination and allowing them to practice their rites and rituals without obstruction.”

He was responding to the claims that the authorities here are imposing restrictions on Ashoora rituals.

Terming the allegations as groundless, he said: “There are laws set for this purpose.”

He also confirmed that the society is closely monitoring the progress of the rituals here.

Romeo Fernando said that what is more surprising is the fact that the allegations were made at a time when the authorities are working hard to ensure the success of the Ashoora season. 

“The Interior Minister is sparing no effort to ensure the safety of the mourners and visitors,” he said adding: “Religious freedom, especially in the season of Ashoora, is not hampered.” He also pointed out that the Jaffaria Waqf Directorate in the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry has provided free transportation for the mourners in the Capital. The directorate is in charge of regulating the Ashoora mourning rituals and processions.

The BHRWS director also dismissed the claim that the authorities removed signs and flags hung on buildings as “totally baseless.”

“Only those flags and signs, which were found hindering the flow of traffic were removed,” he said.