MANAMA: A war of words has begun among Bahraini human rights groups after two groups were accused of encouraging children to riot and involve themselves in acts of sabotage.
The Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society has alleged two human rights groups — Haq Movement of Liberties and Democracy and the defunct Bahrain Centre for Human Rights — have violated international agreements on child rights and are misguiding children.
“These groups are using children for their propaganda which is against human rights. We will take action against them and file a case with international organizations,” said Faisal Fulad, a representative of the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society.
The Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society has launched a petition and collected over 550 signatures condemning the involvement of children in riots.
Commenting on the allegations, a spokesperson for the now-defunct Bahrain Centre for Human Rights said, “ First of all we do not accept these allegations by this group. If there is a reply from our side it will be directly sent to the international organizations.” Bahrain has in recent years been plagued with riots and arson attacks, often targeting police patrols, foreign workers and schools.
The Ministry of Education recently issued a circular to over 200 schools stating strict action would be taken against miscreants. It said that any student involved in riots would be expelled and that an investigative committee would be formed to probe cases.
Agitated youths in Bahrain often use petrol bombs in riots, which have so far claimed the life of one expatriate worker and one police officer this year.
