EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: MDE 11/07/95

Distr: UA/SC

UA 107/95Possible extrajudicial execution / Fear of

further killings5 May 1995

BAHRAINNidal Habib Ahmad al-Nashaba, aged 18

An 18-year-old youth has been shot dead by Bahraini security forces during continuing protests in the country, bringing to 12 the number of civilians killed in separate incidents since December 1994. Amnesty International remains deeply concerned about the continued use of live ammunition by the security forces to disperse demonstrators, and is calling on the government to take immediate measures to prevent further killings.

According to reports, Nidal Habib Ahmad al-Nashaba, originally from al-Na'im, died after receiving a bullet in the head during protests in al-Duraz on 4 May 1995. The protests were staged to commemorate the 40th day after the killing of another youth, 'Abd al-Hamid 'Abdullah Qassem, aged 17, in al-Duraz on 25 March.

Amnesty International has repeatedly appealed to the Government of Bahrain to issue, as a matter of urgency, clear instructions to the security forces to abide by the United Nations (UN) Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. These Principles prohibit the intentional lethal use of firearms except "when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life". Amnesty International has also urged the government to initiate thorough, prompt and impartial investigations into all incidents involving the killing of demonstrators, in accordance with the UN Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions.

In a public statement issued on 5 May 1995, Amnesty International stated that while it recognizes the state's right to bring to justice people responsible for acts of violence, this cannot justify the killing of civilians "in circumstances suggesting that they may have been extrajudicially executed". The government has so far failed to take any steps to prevent such killings or to investigate them.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Widespread arrests have taken place in Bahrain since early December 1994 as security forces attempted to clamp down on protestors and demonstrators calling on the government to allow the National Assembly (dissolved by the Amir in 1975) to reconvene, to respect the provisions of the country's 1973 Constitution, and to release all political prisoners. During these protests, the security forces have routinely used live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, as well as other weapons including rubber bullets, "birdshot" pellets and tear gas.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express and airmail letters either in English or in your own language:

- expressing concern about the killing of Nidal Habib Ahmad al-Nashaba on 4 May 1995;

- calling on the government to issue, as a matter of urgency, clear instructions to the security forces to abide by the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials;

- urging the government to initiate thorough, prompt and impartial investigations into all incidents involving the killing of demonstrators in accordance with the UN Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions.

APPEALS TO:

His Highness

Shaikh 'Issa Bin Salman Al Khalifa

Office of His Highness the Amir

P.O.Box 555

The Amiri Court

Rifa'a Palace, Bahrain

Telexes:8666 Qasar BN; 8500 Qasar BN

Telegrams: His Highness the Amir, al-Manama, Bahrain

Faxes: +973 668884

Salutation: Your Highness

His Excellency

Shaikh Muhammad Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Minister of Interior

P.O.Box 13, al-Manama, Bahrain

Telexes:9572 PSMKT BN or 8333 ALAMAN BN

Telegrams: Minister of Interior, al-Manama, Bahrain

Faxes: +973 276765 or 290526

Salutation: Your Excellency

His Excellency

Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa

Prime Minister

P.O.Box 1000, al-Manama, Bahrain

Telexes:9336 PROM BN or 7889 PMPO BN

Faxes: +973 533033

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO: Diplomatic representatives of Bahrain accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your Section Office, if sending appeals after 20 June 1995.