Brussels, 02/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 30 September, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton expressed her “deep concern” about the recent trials of civilians in Bahrain's Courts of National Safety. Harsh prison sentences have just been reconfirmed against medical personnel, teachers, members of the opposition and political activists. She called on the Bahraini authorities to “fulfil their promises and bring the use of these courts to an immediate end”. Further appeals, Ashton continued, should be heard transparently and fairly in regular courts in full accordance with Bahrain's own laws and international obligations. She also condemned the use of the death sentence and called on Bahrain to re-establish a moratorium on its use.
The sentences risk “further exacerbating tensions in Bahrain. I reiterate my call for dialogue between the regime and the opposition, as the only way to promote national reconciliation”, the declaration reads.
Lastly, the high representative states that she is looking forward to the conclusion of the enquiry by the independent Commission on the events surrounding the unrest earlier this year. She goes on to call on the Bahraini authorities to accept the requested visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as soon as possible. CG/transl.fl)