Bahrain Mirror- Exclusive: The British iNews website said that "Prince Charles has come under renewed criticism over human rights abuses in Bahrain after he opened part of a new naval base gifted to Britain by the Gulf state. "

The website indicated that "The base is a gift from the monarchy in Bahrain, a strategically important island on the Persian Gulf, to celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The vast majority of the cost is being met by Bahrain, with Britain contributing £6.4m towards fitting it out."

"The close relationship between the two governments has drawn accusations from campaigners that Britain and its representatives, including the prince, are failing to press Bahrain on its poor human rights record," it added.

Opposition figures in Britain accused both the Government and Prince Charles of forgetting "British values" in return for a new military asset.

Sayed Ahmed Al-Wadaei, director of advocacy for the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, said: "The UK continually claims to support human rights in Bahrain, but to what result? Britain has only got more friendly with a regime which has escalated its repression in the past year."

"British values are dead and buried and this paid-for naval base is their graveyard. It is shame to see Prince Charles allowing himself to be a part of this public relations game," Al-Wadaei further stated.

Leading human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticized the Government for failing to exert more pressure on the Bahraini regime over allegations of torture and arbitrary arrest.

The Bahraini government has sought to defend its human rights record, saying that no-one can be prosecuted for expressing political views because of protections in the island's constitution.

Arabic Version