The scale and severity of the suppression of protesters in Bahrain warrants a much tougher response from the UK government (Anger at Cameron's invitation for Bahraini prince to No 10, 20 May). Mere expressions of concern – of the kind raised by David Cameron in his meeting this week with the crown prince, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa – will change little. Since mid-March Bahraini security forces, with the support of the Saudis, have launched a brutal, systematic crackdown against protesters, human rights advocates and opposition groups. Hundreds have been arrested in nightly raids on their homes and at security checkpoints, taken to unknown locations, and detained for weeks without access to their lawyers and family members.
Authorities have announced that many will be tried before special military courts for crimes that carry harsh prison sentences and the death penalty. There are credible reports that many have been subjected to abuse, torture or ill-treatment. Around 30 people have been killed by Bahraini security forces since the start of the protests.
The UK and other western governments need to urgently increase pressure on the Bahraini government, and make clear that those responsible for these abuses should be brought to justice. The UK, which has significant economic and security ties with Bahrain and thus some real leverage, should push for an EU-wide ban on all security assistance, including the sale of riot control equipment as well as military hardware. London should also lead the call for Bahrain's suspension from the UN human rights council, and garner support for a special council session on the situation there.
David Mepham
UK director, Human Rights Watch