Manama, July 10 (BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms that the decision, issued in the European Parliament calling on Bahrain to release a number of convicts in cases ruled by the independent judicial power, does not reflect the stance of effective influential political forces nor does it reflect the position of the European Union due to the weak MP participation in the vote.
Out of the 751 members of the European Parliament, only 65 MPs have voted in favour of the decision and were in a great majority from small parties as the larger ones were keen not to support the draft bill for it does not reflect the living reality in the Kingdom of Bahrain or look at the situation in a fair balanced manner.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to note here that this decision is not in consonance with the stance of the European Commission Representative who has lauded the “many important” steps that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain has taken to protect and consolidate human rights in the country, mentioning in particular the government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), creation of a secretariat general for grievances, the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) and the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), which all stand proof on Bahrain’s commitment to its steady approach that underpins and backs all rights and liberties within sound frameworks and according to appropriate mechanisms in protection of the security, stability and safety of all society members.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejects any encroachment on the autonomy of the judiciary which guarantees all legal and constitutional procedures for fair trial, it emphasizes that the freedom of opinion and expression are constitutionally guaranteed in a way that secures respect for others and protection of social peace and security.
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BNA 1455 GMT 2015/07/10