Rights group sees no change in Bahrain

LONDON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Bahrain has failed to follow through on its pledge to implement human rights reforms and has instead resorted to repression, a human rights group charges.

Amnesty International said Wednesday Bahrain has arrived at a crossroads where it must choose between the rule of law or sliding into a downward spiral of repression and instability.

The London-based group issued the warning in a briefing just days before the first anniversary of a landmark report by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry that investigated abuses during the 2011 anti-government protests.

The inquiry found the government of Bahrain responsible for gross violations of human rights and widespread abuses. The findings resulted in promises of reform that Human Rights Watch said have not been instituted.

Earlier this month, Bahrain stripped 31 opposition figures of their citizenship on grounds they caused "damage to state security."

"Indeed it has become evident that authorities in Bahrain do not have the will to take the steps necessary to reform," said Amnesty International's deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa.