Bahrain Mirror- Exclusive: The United Nations expressed concerns about a number of restrictions in place in Bahrain, notably on fundamental freedoms.

In a press conference held by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, in New York on (April 3, 2017), Dujarric encouraged the Government of Bahrain to hold a genuine national dialogue to help ensure stability in Bahrain.

Below is the conversation:

Journalist: In Bahrain, these... they have abandoned all due process to any protesters, and now they were sent, any protesters, to the martial courts or court‑martials.  What does the United Nations believe about that?  And Mr. Ali Salman's sentence has been reduced to four years.  Does the United Nations call for his release, immediate release, since he has really not committed any crime?

Dujarric:  I think, not speaking about the particular case, which I haven't seen, I think we have in the past and will continue to express our concerns about a number of restrictions in place in Bahrain, notably on fundamental freedoms.  And, as always, we've encouraged the Government to undertake meaningful and confidence‑building measures, including a genuine national dialogue, so as to help ensure peace, stability and prosperity for all Bahrainis.

Journalist: How about sending protesters to military courts?

Dujarric: I think I've... I think my answer answers that.

Arabic Version