Iran voices concern about brutality in Bahrain

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast has expressed concern over the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters in Bahrain. He said on Monday that Bahrain is making a strategic mistake by using excessive force against peaceful protesters who are struggling for their legitimate rights. Mehmanparast called on the Manama regime to seriously consider the demands of people, end the crackdown on protesters and withdraw foreign military forces from the country. The spokesman also criticized some Western countries, who claim to be advocates of democracy and human rights, for remaining silent on the abuse of Bahraini protesters. Earlier in the day, students gathered outside the UN office in Tehran to protest the international body’s indifference toward the unrest in the kingdom. Bahraini protesters have taken to the streets across the country since the beginning of the revolution in February 2011. Regime forces attack protesters in the kingdom, leaving scores of people dead and many more injured. In recent days, people in Bahrain have intensified their protests to express their opposition to the Formula One Grand Prix race in Manama. Meanwhile, Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja has been on hunger strike in prison for over 70 days. He was arrested for protesting against the regime.