Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement condemning the recent violence being used against peaceful protesters in Bahrain.

“I am deeply shocked and concerned by the violence being used against peaceful protesters in Bahrain. The government of Bahrain should apply the utmost restraint and self-discipline as its citizens exercise their desire for greater freedoms. Bahrain has taken important steps toward reform over the past decade and I urge the government to use this opportunity to move that reform process forward at an enhanced pace, through genuine dialogue between the government and the opposition.”