Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini

12.5.2016

The HR/VP is aware of the case raised by the Honourable Member, and has been closely following the Human Rights situation in Bahrain.

The EU Delegation in Riyadh (also accredited to Bahrain) has been monitoring the case of Mr Al-Halwachi and has been liaising with the competent authorities and Human Rights institutions in Bahrain about it, notably the Ministry of Interior's Ombudsman, to ensure that the investigation into possible wrongdoings by law enforcement authorities is duly and transparently conducted, and that he receives necessary medical care.

The allegations of arbitrary arrest during a house raid by security forces, during which Mr Al-Halwachi's family home was searched and he was reportedly subjected to physical and psychological ill-treatment, have been transferred to the Special Investigation Units and are still under investigation.

We continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to deliver on its international and domestic human rights commitments and to appropriately address all reports of ill-treatment of detainees. We also encourage all those with concerns about their treatment in detention to report these directly to the Ombudsman.

The EEAS will continue to closely follow the Human Rights situation in the Kingdom, raising cases of concern such as the one of Mr Al-Halwachi through appropriate channels whenever necessary with the authorities.