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[email protected] – Website: http://www.hrwf.net Which Future For Bahrain? Preliminary report of a fact-finding mission in Bahrain (23-28 October 2011) Executive Summary Introduction Political and Legislative Developments (2001‐2011) Political Agenda of the Licensed Opposition Groups Chronology of Protests, Demonstrations, Arrests & Condemnations in 2011 Polarization and Conflicting Reports Bahrain’s Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) National Dialogue EU & International Pressure Conclusions and Recommendations Annexes 9 NOVEMBER 2011 Executive Summary On 14 February 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter, the Bahrain Youth for Freedom group called for demonstrations to demand economic reform (better job opportunities and better housing), more political freedom, institutional reforms and the introduction of a constitutional monarchy. Thousands of people took to the streets of Manama. Until mid-March, the Pearl Roundabout became the heart of Bahrain’s opposition protests. Most of the protests were initially peaceful but in the passing days, the rhetoric and actions of some opposition groups and protesters grew more radical and violent: there were calls for a regime change and the removal of the royal family from power. Law enforcement forces tried to restore public order and clashed with the demonstrators. Between February and March, 30-40 people died under various circumstances. Some were killed by the police; others died in custody; policemen and migrant workers were killed by demonstrators; many people were arrested, including doctors, medical workers, teachers and human rights activists.