Death of Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima
Encyclopedia
Ali Abdulhadi Mushiama (26 August 1989 - 14 February 2011) was a 21-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on the evening of Monday, 14 February 2011 after reportedly being hit in the back by bird pellet gunshots (a type of shotgun shell) fired from short distance by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising
. Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima was protesting for human rights in the village of Al Daih
, near Manama, when he was shot, according to Nabeel Rajab
, president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights. Minister of the interior said a probe would be launched into the case to determine the reasons for the use of a weapon. He affirmed that if the probe revealed no legally tenable reason behind the use of the arm, then legal steps would be taken to refer the person behind the incident to the criminal court. Bahrain king Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced in a rare televised speech that the deaths of Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima and Fadhel Al-Matrook
would be investigated. However, results of the investigation were not revealed until this day (November 2011).
that occurred across the Arab World following the self-immolation and eventual death of Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia, the mostly Shia population of Bahrain took to the streets demanding greater freedoms. Al Jazeera
reported that a protest was planned for 14 February, just a few months after the controversial 2010 election
.
On 14 February, clashes were reported from parts of Bahrain. Helicopters circled over Manama
, where protesters were expected to gather in the afternoon; there was also a greater police presence in Shia villages. At least fourteen people were injured in clashes overnight and with police having used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse marchers in the mostly Shia village of Nuwaidrat
in the country's southwest. The marchers were demanding the release of those detained during earlier protests.
as "Hujaira case" where he was under physical and mental torture, his mother said. His mother reported that despite not having any political activities, Mushaima was closely monitored by authorities.
, west of the capital Manama
. After security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters, Mushaima returned to his house in Al Daih
where he had his last dinner with his family.
Al Wasat local independent newspaper made interviews with members of Mushaima's family who are the main witnesses to his death. Mushaima's aunt who lives in the same house reported that Mushaima left home at 7:30 pm after he had dinner. She went out after him, and was surprised when she saw him walking back then falling down on the floor before getting up where she helped him get back home. She reported that Mushaima fell when he entered the house; his body was full of blood and he had vomited some blood. She said that she couldn't feel Mushaima's pulse few minutes before reaching hospital.
Umm Ali (Mushaim's mother) reported that policemen fired bird pellet gunshots at her son few seconds after he went out. He said that Mushaima's father had heard a gunshot and went to investigate, but before getting out, Mushaima entered the house and started vomiting blood. Umm Ali reported that her son was taken to hospital with his father, aunt and 2 of his cousins in the car where his pulse stopped few minutes before reaching hospital.
Mushaima's uncle Mohammed, said that Mushaima went out after hearing a strange sound. Their house is located in the very narrow alley. When Mushaima reached the end of the alley he was shot with bird pellet gunshots from close range.
Mushaima's death was announced one hour after arriving at Salmaniya
medical complex. bird pellet gunshots went through Mushaima's body into his heart and lung causing severe bleeding which led to his death.
Ministry of Interior spokesman, Tariq Al-Hassan said on a televised speech on 15 February that Mushaima died in a separate incident and not while participating in a protest.
Few days after Mushaim's death, a governmental official visited Mushaima's family offering them a cheque
which they refused and asked for punishment to Mushaima's killer(s), Umm Ali said.
in Manama. Security forces clashed with them resulting in some injured protesters.
Mushaima's family didn't receive his body till late after midnight due to waiting for the coroner and public prosecutor report.
On 15 February, a funeral procession
was organized to take Mushaima's body from Salmaniya medical complex to the cemetery for burial in Al Daih
. According to eye witnesses, more than 2,000 people were gathering at the gates of the hospital to join the procession, when riot police used tear gas and shotguns to disperse the crowd. One man, Fadhel Al-Matrook
, was injured by shotgun pellets and later died in hospital. At least 25 people were reportedly hurt by rubber bullets, buckshot and tear gas fired by the security forces, witnesses said.
An estimated 10,000 people participated in the funeral march for Mushaima which moved through the streets of Jidhafs and Al Daih
, west of Manama
. Moureners carried Bahrain flags
as well as black flags.
On 18 February, 3 days after Mushaima's funeral, the final mourning rituals were held in Al Daih
. Thousands of mourners carrying Bahrain and black flags participated in the mourning rituals which started from Al Daih Ma'tam
and ended in Jidhafs graveyard. Mourners chanted "With our blood and soul we sacrifice ourselves for Martyr" and "With our blood and soul we sacrifice ourselves for Bahrain".
At the end of Mushaima's final mourning rituals, many mourners carrying Bahrain flags organized a protest that moved towards Pearl roundabout
. They chanted "peaceful, peaceful" as they reached fire trucks parks in Manama where army forces were stationed 100 meters away from them. Witnesses say army forces fired live ammunition on protesters leaving at least 40 wounded, including Abdul Redha Buhmaid who was shot in head and died on 21 February.
2011 Bahraini uprising
The 2011 Bahraini uprising, sometimes called the February 14 Revolution is a series of demonstrations, amounting to a sustained campaign of civil resistance, in the Persian Gulf country of Bahrain...
. Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima was protesting for human rights in the village of Al Daih
Al Daih
Al Daih is a village on the north of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Al Manama. It is a predominantly Shia village.-See also:* List of cities in Bahrain...
, near Manama, when he was shot, according to Nabeel Rajab
Nabeel Rajab
Nabeel Rajab was one of the founders of the first migrant workers protection committee in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Migrant Workers Protection Group ....
, president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights. Minister of the interior said a probe would be launched into the case to determine the reasons for the use of a weapon. He affirmed that if the probe revealed no legally tenable reason behind the use of the arm, then legal steps would be taken to refer the person behind the incident to the criminal court. Bahrain king Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced in a rare televised speech that the deaths of Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima and Fadhel Al-Matrook
Death of Fadhel Al-Matrook
Fadhel Salman Ali Salman Ali Al-Matrook was a 31-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on 15 February 2011 after reportedly being hit in the back and chest by bird pellet gunshots fired from short distance by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising...
would be investigated. However, results of the investigation were not revealed until this day (November 2011).
Background
As part of a string of protestsArab Spring
The Arab Spring , otherwise known as the Arab Awakening, is a revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests occurring in the Arab world that began on Saturday, 18 December 2010...
that occurred across the Arab World following the self-immolation and eventual death of Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia, the mostly Shia population of Bahrain took to the streets demanding greater freedoms. Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera is an independent broadcaster owned by the state of Qatar through the Qatar Media Corporation and headquartered in Doha, Qatar...
reported that a protest was planned for 14 February, just a few months after the controversial 2010 election
Bahraini parliamentary election, 2010
A parliamentary election was held in Bahrain with the first-round on 23 October, and the second round on 30 October 2010. Al-Wefaq won a plurality...
.
On 14 February, clashes were reported from parts of Bahrain. Helicopters circled over Manama
Manama
Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 155,000 people.Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a very diverse population...
, where protesters were expected to gather in the afternoon; there was also a greater police presence in Shia villages. At least fourteen people were injured in clashes overnight and with police having used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse marchers in the mostly Shia village of Nuwaidrat
Nuwaidrat
Nuwaidrat is a village located in Bahrain, close to Sitra; it was formerly part of the Sitra Municipality.On February 14, 2011, police used tear gas against protesters in the village; they were participating in country-wide protests. The village is mostly Shia Muslim; the marchers were demanding...
in the country's southwest. The marchers were demanding the release of those detained during earlier protests.
Short biography
Mushaima was the eldest son, he had one brother and one sister. His unlce, Mohammed explained that Mushaima lived in an extremely poor family in his grandfather's house which was built since 1980s. Their housing request goes back to 1988, yet they didn't get a proper house. Mushaima worked as a welder and helped his family financially.Previous detention
Ali Abduhadi Mushaima was detained for 20 days when he was 16. He was detained again for 4 months in 2009 in what is known in BahrainBahrain
' , officially the Kingdom of Bahrain , is a small island state near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. It is ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family. The population in 2010 stood at 1,214,705, including 235,108 non-nationals. Formerly an emirate, Bahrain was declared a kingdom in 2002.Bahrain is...
as "Hujaira case" where he was under physical and mental torture, his mother said. His mother reported that despite not having any political activities, Mushaima was closely monitored by authorities.
Death
During 14 February which was named "Day of Rage", Mushaima participated in a protest in Al DaihAl Daih
Al Daih is a village on the north of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Al Manama. It is a predominantly Shia village.-See also:* List of cities in Bahrain...
, west of the capital Manama
Manama
Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 155,000 people.Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a very diverse population...
. After security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters, Mushaima returned to his house in Al Daih
Al Daih
Al Daih is a village on the north of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Al Manama. It is a predominantly Shia village.-See also:* List of cities in Bahrain...
where he had his last dinner with his family.
Al Wasat local independent newspaper made interviews with members of Mushaima's family who are the main witnesses to his death. Mushaima's aunt who lives in the same house reported that Mushaima left home at 7:30 pm after he had dinner. She went out after him, and was surprised when she saw him walking back then falling down on the floor before getting up where she helped him get back home. She reported that Mushaima fell when he entered the house; his body was full of blood and he had vomited some blood. She said that she couldn't feel Mushaima's pulse few minutes before reaching hospital.
Umm Ali (Mushaim's mother) reported that policemen fired bird pellet gunshots at her son few seconds after he went out. He said that Mushaima's father had heard a gunshot and went to investigate, but before getting out, Mushaima entered the house and started vomiting blood. Umm Ali reported that her son was taken to hospital with his father, aunt and 2 of his cousins in the car where his pulse stopped few minutes before reaching hospital.
Mushaima's uncle Mohammed, said that Mushaima went out after hearing a strange sound. Their house is located in the very narrow alley. When Mushaima reached the end of the alley he was shot with bird pellet gunshots from close range.
Mushaima's death was announced one hour after arriving at Salmaniya
Salmaniya
Salmaniya is a neighborhood of Manama, Bahrain that houses the largest hospital in Bahrain, Salmaniya Medical Complex .Also, other private hospitals operate within the vicinity such as the Royal Bahrain Hospital....
medical complex. bird pellet gunshots went through Mushaima's body into his heart and lung causing severe bleeding which led to his death.
Aftermath
Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the minister of the interior, "offered condolences and deep sympathy to the family of Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima on Monday," according to a statement on the interior ministry's website. The minister said a probe would be launched into the case to determine the reasons for the use of a weapon. "He affirmed that if the probe revealed no legally tenable reason behind the use of the arm, then legal steps would be taken to refer the person behind the incident to the criminal court," the statement read.Ministry of Interior spokesman, Tariq Al-Hassan said on a televised speech on 15 February that Mushaima died in a separate incident and not while participating in a protest.
Few days after Mushaim's death, a governmental official visited Mushaima's family offering them a cheque
Cheque
A cheque is a document/instrument See the negotiable cow—itself a fictional story—for discussions of cheques written on unusual surfaces. that orders a payment of money from a bank account...
which they refused and asked for punishment to Mushaima's killer(s), Umm Ali said.
Funeral and protests
On 14 February, after Mushaima's death was announced, many people gathered in Salmaniya medical complex. They organised a protest at late night and moved towards Pearl roundaboutPearl Roundabout
Pearl Roundabout or Lulu Roundabout was a roundabout located near the financial district of Manama, Bahrain...
in Manama. Security forces clashed with them resulting in some injured protesters.
Mushaima's family didn't receive his body till late after midnight due to waiting for the coroner and public prosecutor report.
On 15 February, a funeral procession
Funeral procession
A funeral procession is a procession, usually in motor vehicles, from a church, synagogue, or mosque to the cemetery. The deceased is usually transported in a hearse, while family and friends follow in their vehicles.- Standard procedure :...
was organized to take Mushaima's body from Salmaniya medical complex to the cemetery for burial in Al Daih
Al Daih
Al Daih is a village on the north of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Al Manama. It is a predominantly Shia village.-See also:* List of cities in Bahrain...
. According to eye witnesses, more than 2,000 people were gathering at the gates of the hospital to join the procession, when riot police used tear gas and shotguns to disperse the crowd. One man, Fadhel Al-Matrook
Death of Fadhel Al-Matrook
Fadhel Salman Ali Salman Ali Al-Matrook was a 31-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on 15 February 2011 after reportedly being hit in the back and chest by bird pellet gunshots fired from short distance by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising...
, was injured by shotgun pellets and later died in hospital. At least 25 people were reportedly hurt by rubber bullets, buckshot and tear gas fired by the security forces, witnesses said.
An estimated 10,000 people participated in the funeral march for Mushaima which moved through the streets of Jidhafs and Al Daih
Al Daih
Al Daih is a village on the north of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Al Manama. It is a predominantly Shia village.-See also:* List of cities in Bahrain...
, west of Manama
Manama
Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 155,000 people.Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a very diverse population...
. Moureners carried Bahrain flags
Flag of Bahrain
The national flag of Bahrain consists of a white band on the left, separated from a red area on the right by five triangles that serve as a serrated line.Red is the traditional colour for flags of the Arab states of the Persian Gulf...
as well as black flags.
On 18 February, 3 days after Mushaima's funeral, the final mourning rituals were held in Al Daih
Al Daih
Al Daih is a village on the north of Bahrain. It lies to the east of Budaiya, west of Al Manama. It is a predominantly Shia village.-See also:* List of cities in Bahrain...
. Thousands of mourners carrying Bahrain and black flags participated in the mourning rituals which started from Al Daih Ma'tam
Hussainia
A Hussainia, also known as an Ashurkhana or Imambargah, is a congregation hall for Shia commemoration ceremonies, especially those associated with the Remembrance of Muharram. The name comes from Husayn Ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad and an Imam of the Shia. Hussain was killed by Yazid I in...
and ended in Jidhafs graveyard. Mourners chanted "With our blood and soul we sacrifice ourselves for Martyr" and "With our blood and soul we sacrifice ourselves for Bahrain".
At the end of Mushaima's final mourning rituals, many mourners carrying Bahrain flags organized a protest that moved towards Pearl roundabout
Pearl Roundabout
Pearl Roundabout or Lulu Roundabout was a roundabout located near the financial district of Manama, Bahrain...
. They chanted "peaceful, peaceful" as they reached fire trucks parks in Manama where army forces were stationed 100 meters away from them. Witnesses say army forces fired live ammunition on protesters leaving at least 40 wounded, including Abdul Redha Buhmaid who was shot in head and died on 21 February.
Local and international reactions
- In a rare national TVBahrain Radio and Television CorporationBahrain Radio and Television Corporation is a Corporation established in January 1993 to regulate visual and audio broadcasting in the Kingdom of Bahrain according to Amir decree . 96.5 fm Bahrain Radio Timings: ...
address on Tuesday, February 15, King Hamad expressed regret about the recent fatalities and announced a ministerial probe. He expressed regret about the deaths of Ali MushaimaDeath of Ali Abdulhadi MushaimaAli Abdulhadi Mushiama was a 21-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on the evening of Monday, 14 February 2011 after reportedly being hit in the back by bird pellet gunshots fired from short distance by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising...
and Fadhel Al-Matrook "There have sadly been two deaths. I express my deep condolences to their families," he said. "Everyone should know that I have assigned Deputy Prime Minister Jawad al-Urayyid to form a special committee to find out the reasons that led to such regrettable events," he added.
- Prime minister, Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa praised the king's speech. "We regret the events which led to the death of two of my sons and express condolences to their families".
- Minister of Interior, Rashed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said in a televised speech on February 15, that they are reserving on those responsible for the death of Ali Abdulhadi MushaimaDeath of Ali Abdulhadi MushaimaAli Abdulhadi Mushiama was a 21-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on the evening of Monday, 14 February 2011 after reportedly being hit in the back by bird pellet gunshots fired from short distance by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising...
and Fadhel Al-Matrook and that initial investigations began. As well as full cooperation with the committee formed by Bahrain's king.
- Al WefaqAl WefaqAl Wefaq National Islamic Society , also known as the Islamic National Accord Association, is a Bahraini political society, and the largest party in the Bahrain, both in terms of its membership and its results at the polls...
, the country's biggest opposition party suspended their participation in the ParliamentCouncil of Representatives of BahrainThe Council of Representatives , sometimes translated as the "Chamber of Deputies", is the name given to the lower house of the Bahraini National Assembly, the main legislative body of Bahrain....
and threatened to resign, in protest at the brutal practices of the security forces, according to Matar Matar, Al Wefaq's MP (now former MP).
- The Independent block, the second largest in the parliament praised the king's speech and supported his decision to form an investigation committee. They also expressed condolences to families of victims.
- Nationalist Democratic Rally SocietyNationalist Democratic Rally SocietyNationalist Democratic Assembly , a political group attached to the Baghdad-based Ba'ath Party in Bahrain. The organization is led by Rasul al-Jishi....
called for an open dialogue between the regime and civil society foundations. They emphasized their refusal and condemnation to the "brutal and repressive" methods that protests are dealt with by riot police which led to the death of 2 martyrs. They also expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs and victims.
- Progressive Democratic Tribune denounced the use of excessive force by security forces and called to respect the rights of people to protest. They expressed condolences to families of martyrs Ali Mushaima and Fadhel Al-Matrook who joined the martyrs convoy of our people in their journey to democracy. They Called for the formation of a national body which unites Shia and SunnaSunnaSunna may refer to:* Sunna , a British rock band from the early 2000s* Sunna , a Saxon chief* Kim Sunna, a Swedish professional ice hockey player* Sól , Germanic goddess/personification of the Sun in Old High German...
like the National Union CommitteeNational Union CommitteeThe National Union Committee was a nationalist reformist political organization formed in Bahrain in 1954 . The committee was formed by reformists in response to sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shia members of the population...
in the 1950s.
- Islamic Association party, a relatively small Shia society expressed condolences to citizens of Bahrain and the families of the victims. They said "At the same time that we emphasize our refusal to the excessive use of force against protesters, we stress the importance of keeping the peacefulness of the protests". and "we appeal to the committee formed by Bahrain's king to make a neutral and honest investigation and to accelerate publishing the results as well as punishing those responsible".
- United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said in a statement. "The United States is very concerned by recent violence surrounding protests in Bahrain,". The spokesman said Washington had received confirmation that two protesters in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, had been killed and urged Bahrain to quickly follow up on its pledge to investigate. "The United States welcomes the government of Bahrain's statements that it will investigate these deaths, and that it will take legal action against any unjustified use of force by Bahraini security forces," Crowley said.
- Amnesty InternationalAmnesty InternationalAmnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
called the authorities "to immediately stop using excessive force against the protesters", "to set up an immediate, thorough and independent investigation into the deaths of ‘Ali ‘Abdulhadi Mushaima’ and Fadhel ‘Ali Matrook, and ensure that any police found to have used excessive force are brought to justice." and " to respect and protect the right of freedom expression, movement and assembly in Bahrain".
- In May 2011, Council of Representatives of BahrainCouncil of Representatives of BahrainThe Council of Representatives , sometimes translated as the "Chamber of Deputies", is the name given to the lower house of the Bahraini National Assembly, the main legislative body of Bahrain....
dismissed one of it's employees due to taking part in funeral procession of Ali Abdulhadi Mushaima.
See also
- Death of Fadhel Al-MatrookDeath of Fadhel Al-MatrookFadhel Salman Ali Salman Ali Al-Matrook was a 31-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on 15 February 2011 after reportedly being hit in the back and chest by bird pellet gunshots fired from short distance by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising...
- Death of Ali Jawad al-SheikhDeath of Ali Jawad al-SheikhAli Jawad al-Sheikh was a 14-year-old Bahraini who died in hospital on 31 August 2011 after reportedly being hit in the head by a tear gas canister shot by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising. The Bahraini government denied security force involvement in his death and offered...
- Death of Ahmed Jaber al-QattanDeath of Ahmed Jaber al-QattanAhmed Jaber Ali al-Qattan was a 16 or 17-year-old Bahraini teenager who died in a hospital on 6 October 2011 after reportedly being hit in chest, abdomen and upper limb by bird pellet gunshots fired by Bahraini security forces during the 2011 Bahraini uprising...