Why it matters:
The event underscores ongoing concerns over human rights violations in Bahrain and renewed criticism of Western governments for their continued political, military, and financial support for the Al Khalifa regime.
The big picture:
Bahrain Martyrs’ Day marks the anniversary of the killing of Bahraini pro-democracy activists on December 17, 1994, an event widely regarded as a turning point in the country’s popular resistance movement. Activists say repression has persisted ever since, despite international documentation of abuses.
State of play:
The event was hosted at the UK National Union of Journalists headquarters in London.
Participants included Bahraini and British political activists, academics, and human rights researchers.
Speakers focused on historical memory, accountability, and international complicity.
What they’re saying:
Shabir Razavi, organizer of the event, said the anniversary of the 1994 killings marked the beginning of a continuous era of sacrifice for Bahrainis.
“Since that day, every day has been a martyrs’ day for the people of Bahrain,” he said.
Jalal Fairooz, Bahraini political activist, university professor, and former lawmaker, said the Al Khalifa regime miscalculated its response to popular resistance.
“The regime believed it could crush the uprising by killing freedom seekers, but the movement has now become widespread,” he said.
Josie Tham, a British political activist, expressed shame over London’s policies toward Manama.
“All international human rights organizations agree that the Bahraini regime systematically represses its people, yet the UK continues diplomatic, military, and financial support,” she said.
Andrew McIntosh, research director at the Salam Institute, read aloud the names of Bahraini martyrs and examined the social, psychological, and political consequences of state repression.
He stressed that suppression has historically failed to extinguish resistance movements.
Go deeper:
Bahrainis Honor Martyred Resistance Leaders in a Night Rally
Hossein Vaez - Mojtaba Darabi
