Bahrain condemns resolution

KINGDOM PROTESTS MOVE BY EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT OVER HUMAN RIGHTS

Bahrain has “strongly deplored” the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on the human rights situation in the country, saying that it was based on “false information that completely disregards the progress achieved in promoting and protecting human rights in the country across all the civil, political, economic, social and cultural areas”.

On Thursday, European lawmakers called for releasing prisoners from jail. However, Bahrain said that it could not accept any prejudice to the integrity and independence of the Bahraini judiciary.

The European Parliament resolution referred to a number of criminal cases and to those implicated in them and commented on verdicts issued by courts of law in accordance with the constitution and international standards that guarantee fair trials and the full legal rights of defendants, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “The resolution of the European Parliament reflects a superficial view and completely disregards the challenges facing the region and Bahrain in particular. They include external interference in its internal affairs and the growing violence and terrorism that threaten security and stability and undermine the government’s implementation of programmes of sustainable development as well as the preservation of human rights.”

The resolution should have called for the elimination and incitement of violence and for the respect of human rights, including the right to security and life, the ministry added.

“Bahrain also deplores the fact that the resolution ignored democracy practices in Bahrain, such as the parliament, the freedom of expression and its manifestation in the media, the activities of NGOs, and the freedom of religion, belief and assembly.”

The ministry said that it would study the content of the European resolution and respond in detail at a later stage.