MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in particular the cases of death row inmates and human rights defenders

9.3.2021 - (2021/2578(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Michael Gahler, Tomáš Zdechovský, Sandra Kalniete, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Miriam Lexmann, Paulo Rangel, Vladimír Bilčík, Michaela Šojdrová, Loránt Vincze, Eva Maydell, Jiří Pospíšil, Stanislav Polčák, Maria Walsh, Tom Vandenkendelaere, Adam Jarubas, Krzysztof Hetman, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, David Lega, Romana Tomc, Janina Ochojska, Tomas Tobé, Christian Sagartz, Vangelis Meimarakis, Luděk Niedermayer, Inese Vaidere, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Ioan‑Rareş Bogdan, Stelios Kympouropoulos, Seán Kelly, Peter Pollák
on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0190/2021

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0194/2021

European Parliament resolution on the human rights situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in particular the cases of death row inmates and human rights defenders

(2021/2578(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Bahrain,

- having regard to the Statement by the Spokesperson of the EEAS of 9 January 2020 on the confirmation of the death sentence for two citizens in Bahrain,

- having regard to the Cooperation Arrangement between the EU and Bahrain,

- having regard to the Arab Charter on Human Rights,

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

- having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

- having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Bahrain is a key partner of the EU in the Persian Gulf;

B. whereas on 18 February 2014 Mohamed Ramadhan was arrested by the Bahraini authorities for allegedly taking part – along with Hussain Moosa – in a bombing in Al Dair on 14 February 2014;

C. whereas the Court of Cassation decided on 13 July 2020 to uphold the death penalty against the two men;

D. whereas UN human rights experts have called on Bahrain to prevent the execution of the two men who were allegedly subjected to torture;

E. whereas human rights defenders in Bahrain are prosecuted, including Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja who is the co-founder of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and the Gulf Centre for Human Rights;

F. whereas the Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and Bahrain was held in February 2021;

1. Calls on the Bahraini authorities to halt the execution of Mohamed Ramadhan and Hussain Moosa immediately and to commute their sentences;

2. Calls on Bahraini authorities to introduce a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition;

3. Deplores the continued imprisonment of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and other human rights defenders; calls on the Vice‑President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and EU member states to champion and pursue a vigorous campaign to secure the immediate release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, in the lead up to the 10th anniversary (April 2021) of his unjust imprisonment, and to secure the immediate release of other human rights defenders;

4. Stresses that a key element of enhanced EU-Bahrain cooperation is the immediate release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and other human rights defenders;

5. Welcomes the Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and Bahrain and supports further Dialogue between the two parties;

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