Opposition leaders seized in Bahrain UN condemns 'illegal violence' against protesters
Bahrain faced growing international outrage today as the security crackdown in the Gulf state continued.
The United Nations' leading human rights official denounced the "shocking and illegal" use of violence against Shia Muslim pro-democracy protesters, which Britain also condemned.
The use of force even drew rare criticism from the United States, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying Bahrain's Sunni rulers were "on the wrong track".
The comments came as at least six opposition leaders were arrested a day after security forces used tanks, tear gas and helicopters to clear demonstrators from their camp in the capital Manama. Six people were killed and hundreds injured. There were also reports that troops had carried out random beatings and arrests and had taken over a hospital.
A 12-hour curfew has been put in place and movement in the kingdom has been restricted, with witnesses saying police were "hunting" Shias. The violent response sparked sympathy protests from Shia Muslims across the Middle East - prompting fears of sectarian clashes in the region after Saudi Arabia and other Sunni-led Gulf states sent troops into Bahrain to help prop up the US-backed regime.
Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt said Britain "deplored" the violence but dismissed comparisons with Libya and appeared to rule out military intervention. "I don't think there is any suggestion of committing British troops into Bahrain or to Saudi Arabia," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "We want to see the process of reform and dialogue - which has been started over a period of time in Bahrain - continue. That can't be done if there isn't order on the streets. But we've made it clear that the violence against protesters is not right."
Navi Pillay, the UN high commissioner for human rights, voiced alarm saying: "There are reports of arbitrary arrests, killings, beatings of protesters and of medical personnel, and of the takeover of hospitals and medical centres by various security forces. This is shocking and illegal conduct."
Mrs Clinton said force was not the answer. She told CBS: "We find what's happening in Bahrain alarming. We think that there is no security answer to the aspirations and demands of the demonstrators."
The Foreign Office has advised Britons to leave the country and is providing two charter flights today.
Bahrain has had a month of protests inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
Moderate protesters are calling for a constitutional monarchy, resignation of the government and an end to repression and corruption. The more radical Haq party wants to establish a republic. On Monday King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa imposed martial law. He declared a three-month state of emergency, giving the military permission to take "all necessary measures" to maintain order.
