Bahrain Mirror: Three French parliamentarians submitted questions to the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs on the human rights situation in Bahrain.

Salam DHR thanked the MPs for their support for human rights and democracy in Bahrain and asked the international community to continue their support for the people of Bahrain.

On June 22, 2021, MP Lise Magnier, a member of the Democratic Movement, questioned the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs on the situation in Bahrain. She noted the deterioration of human rights in the country since the 2011 uprising and mentioned: "Today, family members of prisoners of conscience are also under threat. Some have been arrested by the authorities after taking part in peaceful demonstrations for the release of these prisoners." She noted that the actions of the State of Bahrain violate Article 22 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.

MP Magnier asked what actions Minister Le Drian intends to take to ensure that the Government of Bahrain respects human rights during demonstrations.

On the same day, June22, 2021, MP Pierre Dharréville, a member of the French Communist Party, also asked a question to the French government about human rights situation in Bahrain.  He reminded of the 2011 uprisings and the authorities' authoritarian response to them. He pointed out the lack of freedom of expression and the oppression of political opponents since then. He mentioned: "They are arbitrarily detained and even tortured in Bahraini prisons, with the epidemic making the situation worse." The deputy also highlighted the close relations between France and Bahrain and considered that the subject had remained in the shadows for too long.

MP Dharréville asked the Minister what the intentions of French diplomacy are on this subject

On July 6, 2021, MP Aina Kuric, a member of the "Agir Ensemble" political party, asked a question to the French Foreign Minister about human rights violations in Bahrain. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, she stated she is concerned about the human rights situation. She insisted on the large number of political prisoners in Bahraini prisons and pointed out that none of them were among the prisoners that the authorities were forced to release in March 2020, due to the health crisis.  She denounced the serious danger that these individuals are in due to the epidemic.

MP Kuric also mentioned the case of political prisoner, Hussein Barakat, who died of Covid-19 in Jaw prison as a result of the authorities' negligence and inaction.

MP Kuric asked what the French Government's position on this situation is and whether any diplomatic plea is being made on this subject.

Arabic Version