Bahraini ruler suspected of transferring $42bn to Swiss banks

Vancouverite, by Yehonathan Tommer

MANAMA, BAHRAIN – Bahraini ruler, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has moved $42 billion into Swiss banks amid mounting anti-government protests in his country, according to Press TV, an English language Iranian media network.

This is “an indication of the apprehension about their (the ruling family’s) ultimate fate,” Ralph Schoenman, political observer and author of The Hidden History of Zionism told Press TV.

“The truth of the matter is that these country-selling regimes are creations of the US … [and it is the] political power of the imperialism that sustains these regimes,” Schoenman said.

No other sources have confirmed such a money transfer by Bahrain’s royal family from the island state which is a major naval base for the U.S. Fifth Fleet.

Widespread anti-government demonstrations since mid February have demanded an end to the al-Khalifa dynasty which has ruled Bahrain for almost 40 years.

On March 13, Saudi-led forces were dispatched to the Gulf state at Manama’s request to quell countrywide protests.

According to local sources, dozens of people are reported to have been killed and hundreds arrested so far during the government clampdown on the protesters.

Iran, which has hegemonious claims to Bahrain, is also suspected of fomenting popular unrest to increase its influence among the country’s Shiite majority.

Canadian citizens were urged to leave Bahrain immediately and postpone further travel plans to the Gulf state until the political situation there stabilised.