MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Bahrain

25.10.2011

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure

Marisa Matias, Marie-Christine Vergiat, Cornelia Ernst, Helmut Scholz on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0541/2011

B7‑0558/2011

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Bahrain

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

 

- having regard to Rule 122(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

 

A.  whereas a military appeal court in Bahrain upheld the sentences of 14 opposition figures, all civilians, reportedly for plotting to overthrow the government; whereas they will now appeal before the civilian Court of Cassation,

 

B.  whereas health professionals and other health workers' sentences have been reconfirmed by a military court in Bahrain on 29 September to between five and 15 years in prison; whereas the medical professionals acted under professional duty and treated injured people,

 

C.  whereas many other political activists, human rights defenders and journalists were detained during the recent pro-reform protests, whereas according to human rights organizations they have been tortured, ill-treated and harassed,

 

D.  whereas on 22 May, the death sentences imposed on Ali ‘Abdullah Hassan al-Sankis and ‘Abdulaziz ‘Abdulridha Ibrahim Hussain, for killing two policemen during anti-government protests in Bahrain were upheld by the National Safety Court of Appeal,

 

E. whereas on 29 June the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry was set up by King

Hamad, in order to investigate human rights violations during recent the protests,

 

F. whereas on 2 July the Bahraini King Hamad launched National Dialogue to address the concerns of Bahraini citizens in the wake of recent events,

 

G. whereas on 24 September, elections for the lower house of the parliament took place in order to fill 18 seats , vacated by Al-Wefaq, the country's largest opposition party , which pulled out of the Middle Eastern nation's legislature to protest against the treatment of demonstrators during unrest earlier this year,

 

 

1.  Condemns the repression in Bahrain that had lead to dozens of dead people and many injured ones, and urges the immediate and unconditional release of all peaceful demonstrators and expresses its solidarity with the families of all the victims;

2.  Reiterates its point of view that demonstrators have expressed legitimate democratic aspirations and that the government of Bahrain should engage in a meaningful and constructive dialogue with the opposition without delay or preconditions; condemns the incursion of Saudi and UAE forces in Bahrain, and calls for their immediate withdrawal;

3.  Condemns the use of Special military courts to try civilians; stress that civilians must be tried in civilian courts and that every detained person must be charged with a recognizable criminal offence, with adequate access to a lawyer and enough time to prepare a defence and calls on Bahraini authorities to put an end to these trials;

4.  Calls on the Bahraini security forces and authorities to immediately stop violence, repression and detention of peaceful demonstrators; urges the authorities to act in strict accordance with their international obligations;

 

5.        Urges the Bahraini authorities to release the doctors and medical staff unconditionally and immediately as well as all the political activists, journalists and Human Rights defenders; expresses its strong concern on the life sentences of 8 opposition activists and 13 who received up to 15 years in prison;

 

6.        Reiterates its call the for the full respect of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms, with special regard to the freedom of assembly and expression, freedom of religion, women’s rights and gender equality, fight against discrimination; Calls all on the Bahraini authorities to accept the requested visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;

 

7.        Calls on the Bahraini authorities to commute the death sentences of Ali ‘Abdullah Hassan al-Sankis and ‘Abdulaziz ‘Abdulridha Ibrahim Hussain; Reiterates its strong opposition against the use of the death penalty and urges the Bahraini authorities to declare an immediate moratorium;

 

8.        Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and Parliament of the Kingdom of Bahrain.