Bahrain Mirror: The European Parliament has overwhelmingly condemned the latest measures taken by the Government of Bahrain in its campaign against the opposition, which were resembled in toughening the sentence against Al-Wefaq's Secretary-General Sheikh Ali Salman, suspending Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, arresting prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, revoking Sheikh Isa Qassim's citizenship and other cases.

606 MEPs out of 669 of those who attended the session gave their approval to the resolution, meanwhile 57 MEPs denied it and 6 others expressed their reservation. This means that 81% of the attendees condemned Bahrain's repressive measures against dissidents as the European Parliament consists of 751 MEPs.

A statement issued by the European Parliament on Thursday (July 7, 2016) said that it reiterates its strong condemnation "of the ongoing campaign of repression against human rights defenders, the political opposition and civil society, as well as the restriction of fundamental democratic rights in Bahrain".

The Parliament called for the immediate and unconditional release of the prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, the head of the Al-Wefaq opposition group Sheikh Ali Salman, and other human rights activists jailed on allegations relating to their rights to free expression, assembly, and association. It also urges that all charges against them be dropped.

"The Bahraini government has a responsibility to ensure the security and safety of all citizens irrespective of their political views, affiliation or confession. MEPs believe that long-term stability and security in Bahrain can only be ensured by building a truly pluralistic society that is respectful of diversity," the statement further read.

The Parliament expressed particular concerns about "the misuse of anti-terrorism laws in Bahrain and, especially, the revocation of nationality as a means of political pressure and punishment," calling on the Bahraini authorities to amend the country's citizenship law and to restore Bahraini citizenship to the over 300 persons, including human rights defenders, politicians, journalists and senior religious authorities, who have been unfairly stripped of it.

Arabic Version