Bahrain Mirror: Diplomatic sources revealed that EU deputies are moving in various directions to push the EU leadership to take firmer positions with the Bahraini regime, and are coordinating efforts with other international groups to determine a serious stance towards the violations practiced against activists and political detainees, the Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper reported.

The European External Action Service and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights presented a memorandum on recent moves towards Bahrain, and stressed the importance of human rights as a key element in any future relationship between Brussels and Manama, as the matter was clarified to the Bahraini Foreign Minister during his recent visit.

Eamon Gilmore, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, said in a private letter which Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper obtained a copy of, that he has repeatedly raised the issues of imprisoned Bahraini activists, particularly death row prisoners, and discussed them with high-ranking Bahraini officials. He also discussed the situation of Manama with civil society and UN special procedures.

He revealed in the letter sent to Brussels politicians that "in line with its policy on the death penalty, the EU has repeatedly called on the Bahraini authorities to stop and commute all the pending death sentences."

Gilmore also encouraged Bahrain to ensure that trials are conducted in accordance with international standards and approved law and standards.

In the letter that reached a number of union and international bodies, he indicated that Bahrain was offered another opportunity to address all issues related to freedom of expression and association, the right to a fair trial, and securing prison conditions, including prisoners' access to adequate medical care.

The meeting held by the European Union with Bahraini officials was an opportunity to raise the cases of some individual cases, and Manama was asked to adhere to international standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The Bahraini regime has also been reminded that it has ratified all international treaties and that it is obliged to implement them.

European officials stressed that they will not stop their moves and that they will escalate their rhetoric until human rights are promoted and protected.  The European Union will continue to use all the available means to address the human rights situation in Bahrain.

Arabic Version