GENEVA, Switzerland, June 20 (UPI) -- Security forces in Bahrain turned one of the country's main hospitals into a torture chamber, an official with Doctors without Borders said.
Bahrain is facing international criticism for its response to a Shiite uprising against the country's ruling Sunni minority.
Officials with Doctors without Borders claim security forces in the country routinely beat patients at the Salmaniya Medical Complex who suffered injuries during anti-monarchy rallies.
Jonathan Whittall, head of Doctors without Borders' mission in Bahrain, was quoted by London newspaper The Independent as saying torture was routine in the country's hospitals.
"The security forces basically took control of the (Salmaniya) hospital on March 17 when tanks moved outside and set up checkpoints for anyone entering or leaving," he said. "Inside, many of the wounded with injuries that could have been sustained during the protests were taken to the sixth floor, where they were beaten three times a day."
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay described the March seizure by security forces of the hospital as "shocking and illegal conduct."
Bahrain has been able to silence much of the anti-monarchy sentiments. The country called in support from neighboring countries to help respond to demonstrations.
Washington was rapped for its steadfast support for Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. The government last week, however, included the country on a list of human rights abusers.
