Brussels, 30/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 January, the European Union called on Bahrain to respect the rules to ensure that the general secretary of the Al Wefaq Shia opposition party, Ali Salman, is given a fair trial.
“The decision of a Bahraini Court to deny bail to Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary General of Al Wefaq political society, following his arrest on 28 December (see EUROPE 11223, Ed.) and to prolong his detention until 25 February is a matter of concern,” explained a spokeperson for the High Representative, adding: “The requisite standards of due process have to be ensured, including the objective application of guidelines for release on bail and, should Sheikh Ali Salman be brought to trial, fair and transparent court proceedings.”
The spokesperson pointed out: “Opposition parties and Civil Society are fundamental pillars of any democracy. The continued detention of Sheikh Ali Salman, as well as the ongoing judicial procedures ongoing against a number of activists, including Mr. Nabeel Rajab (see EUROPE 11191, Ed.), carry the risk of jeopardizing an already difficult political and security situation by widening the gap between a part of the opposition and the authorities. The deep polarization of society continues to make a durable solution more difficult to achieve… Only a process of national reconciliation, without preconditions, can ensure stability and prosperity for Bahrain's citizens.”
On 28 January, the legal system postponed the sentencing of Ali Salman and extended his prison term by a month. He is accused of trying to overturn the regime by force. Demonstrators protested on 29 January against his being kept in custody.
The High Representative's spokesperson said that the EU would “continue to encourage Bahrain to fully comply with its international human rights commitments, by guaranteeing fundamental freedoms including freedom of expression and association, the right to fair trial, as guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that Bahrain has ratified.” (CG)