17 Mar 2011

Bahrain unrest: UN rights chief criticises crackdown

The UN human rights chief has condemned the "shocking" use of force by security forces against protesters in Bahrain.

Navi Pillay said reports of a military takeover of hospitals was a blatant violation of international law. She urged the authorities to rein in their forces, citing reports of people being beaten and detained or killed.

bahrain unrest

At least six opposition figures have reportedly been detained in overnight raids in Bahrain, and soldiers are back on the streets of the capital, Manama. The crackdown on anti-government protesters in the city's centre left at least three civilians and three police officers dead on Wednesday.

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