Family of activist who jumped on Bahrain king’s car targeted
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A pro-democracy activist said Saturday his wife was beaten and detained for hours in Bahrain after he jumped on a car carrying the island’s king during his recent visit to London.
The experience of Sayed Alwadaei’s wife, Duaa, comes amid a crackdown on dissent in Bahrain, the likes of which has been unseen since its Arab Spring-inspired protests were put down in 2011. Its main Shiite opposition group has been dismantled, while activists have been detained and others have had their citizenship stripped by the country’s Sunni rulers.
Alwadaei was among several protesters outside 10 Downing St. on Wednesday, ahead of British Prime Minister Theresa May meeting with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. As King Hamad’s black luxury car approached, Alwadaei and others rushed forward, jumping on the car and kicking at it while shouting.
Police briefly detained Alwadaei before letting him ago. Protesters’ shouts of “Down Hamad!” could be heard inside the prime minister’s residence during her meeting with the king.