[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 24 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H514-H515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF UPRISING IN BAHRAIN

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

[[Page H515]]

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, 2 years ago today the people of Bahrain 
took to the streets in peaceful protest. They called for democratic 
freedoms and an end to human rights abuses. The Government of Bahrain 
responded with violence. It attacked protestors, killing more than 30, 
and imprisoned and tortured thousands of others. Even doctors who 
treated protesters were arrested, tortured, and prosecuted.
  Two years later, the situation has not improved. In fact, it may be 
getting worse. More protestors have died, hundreds of political 
prisoners remain in jail, and authorities responsible for the use of 
torture remain free.
  Despite an active public relations campaign, the Government of 
Bahrain is not--and I repeat, is not--making a good-faith effort to 
meet the legitimate demands of its people.
  The Obama administration needs to change course with Bahrain and 
begin implementing a policy that holds Bahrain accountable and promotes 
democratic freedoms so that we are not here again saying these same 
things on the third anniversary of the protests.

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