Medical Charity Stops Bahrain Work After Raid

The global relief group Doctors Without Borders has stopped working in Bahrain following a raid on its offices last month by security forces of the Middle East monarchy, whom the charity says damaged property and confiscated medical equipment, The New York Times writes.

The organization says it believes the raid was the result of its treatment of protesters injured in clashes with police and security forces in recent months, which have seen an Arab Spring-inspired uprising in the tiny Persian Gulf state.

Human-rights activists allege the government is systematically attempting to deny treatment to injured demonstrators.

In a statement last week, the country’s Health Ministry acknowledged the raid but said it was conducted because Doctors Without Borders lacked legal permission to operate a care facility.

The ministry said the government “routinely welcomes international humanitarian organizations” but “cannot allow any such organization or individuals involved with such an organization to breach Bahraini law.”