Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): Former MP Osama Al-Tamimi called on the MPs to take the initiative to put forward bills that will help solve the political crisis that has been witnessed in the country since 2011.

Al-Tamimi said in a statement to Bahrain Mirror "Members of the House of Representatives should not hesitate and take the initiative to put forward a bill for a comprehensive amnesty for prisoners under Article 41 of the Constitution."

Article 41 of the Constitution stipulates "The King may abate or commute a sentence by Decree. A total amnesty may be granted only by law, and shall apply to offences committed before the amnesty was proposed."

"There are 5000 or 6000 Bahrainis who have been imprisoned for long periods because of the crisis, and we believe that it is time for the House of Representatives to contribute seriously to ending the suffering of these prisoners and their families, who have been suffering for years. I believe that everyone in the legislative institution should activate this article."

"Mass pardon is a right of political prisoners, and we must not give in to the government's proposal that these prisoners are not political prisoners. It is clear that they were imprisoned over the background of political crisis and it is time to end the suffering," he said.

"It is the right time for a parliamentary action to seek a general pardon and keep our country away from any tension," Al-Tamimi added.

He concluded by saying that some may raise a debate about the right of MPs to resort to this article and whether the proposal of a blanket amnesty bill is among their rights or not. He said that he believes that they have the right to resort to this article and put forward a bill for a comprehensive amnesty, adding that there is no clear article in the Constitution stating that this right is limited to the King.

The constitutional explanatory note did not address article 41 on special and general pardon.

The former MP and his family face severe harassment, despite his poor health. He also faces an imminent trial for over fraud charge fabricated by the security authorities.

Arabic Version