Western-backed Bahrain king backs ‘anti-terror’ powers to suppress protests

Bahrain’s monarch has ordered the quick implementation of tough measures against what Manama calls an upsurge in terrorism aimed at quelling anti-regime protests.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordered “quick implementation of recommendations adopted on Sunday by the country’s loyalist-dominated parliament, giving authorities powers to revoke the citizenship of anyone “recognized as guilty of committing or inciting an act of terrorism.”

Bahrain lawmakers also approved a bill banning all protests in the capital, Manama, at the extraordinary session requested by the king.

Meanwhile, the opposition on Monday said the parliamentary move is “declaration of war on the people, as well as open threats and insults to beliefs.”

Manama says there have been a growing number of shootings and bombings targeting police stations and patrols in villages, where regular peaceful protests against the regime have been held since mid-February 2011.

The Manama regime launched a brutal crackdown on the peaceful protests and called in Saudi-led Arab forces from neighboring states.

On July 22, Bahraini police forces raided the houses of anti-regime demonstrators in a number of villages across the country, arresting dozens of people.

The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry said in a report in November 2011 that the Al Khalifa regime had used excessive force in the crackdown and accused Manama of torturing political activists, politicians, and protesters.

The protesters say they will continue to hold demonstrations until their demand for the establishment of a democratically elected government is met.