On Abdulhadi al-Khawaja in Bahrain

Following the news of the continuing deterioration of health of human rights defender Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated:

"It is with great concern that I have received the news of the worsening health conditions of human rights defender Abdulhadi al-Khawaja in Bahrain.

I call on the Bahraini authorities to urgently take all the necessary measures to protect al-Khawaja's life. The Bahraini authorities have the power and responsibility to avert a looming tragedy.

The family of Mr al-Khawaja, diplomatic representatives and humanitarian organisations should also be allowed to see him.

I follow closely the developing situation in Bahrain and call on the government to follow-up on its pledge to open-up to internal dialogue, reform and reconciliation."