Brussels, 18/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 17 June, the European Union criticised the sentencing, the previous day in Bahrain, to four years in prison for leader of the Shi'ite opposition, al-Wefaq Secretary General Ali Salman. Salman had been arrested on 28 December 2014 (see EUROPE 11223) and was found guilty of “incitement to disobedience”.
This sentence “runs counter to efforts promoting a lasting and inclusive national reconciliation in Bahrain”, said the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in a press release.
“A sustainable political process leading to gradual and inclusive reform requires an environment where legitimate and peaceful grievances can be expressed freely”, the spokesperson stated, adding that the release of those arrested “in the context of peaceful political activities” would also be an “important signal” in this regard.
Bahrain has for several months been marked by a conflict between an opposition party and the country's authorities. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)