Geneva, Switzerland, 09 June 2011 – Doctors’ and nurses’ leaders today called on the Bahraini authorities to ensure a fair trial for the 47 doctors and nurses now facing trial in the country, after they treated injured protesters during the recent political unrest.
The health professionals are due to appear in front of a closed security court again on Monday charged with participating in efforts to overthrow the Bahraini monarchy and taking part in illegal rallies.
Geneva, Switzerland, 09 June 2011 – Doctors’ and nurses’ leaders today called on the Bahraini authorities to ensure a fair trial for the 47 doctors and nurses now facing trial in the country, after they treated injured protesters during the recent political unrest.
The health professionals are due to appear in front of a closed security court again on Monday charged with participating in efforts to overthrow the Bahraini monarchy and taking part in illegal rallies.
But in a joint statement today the World Medical Association and the International Council of Nurses said:
‘We call on the authorities in Bahrain to ensure a fair and public trial. It is important that international observers are allowed to attend.
‘Doctors and nurses have an ethical duty to care for patients irrespective of their race, colour, creed and political affiliation. No health professional should be put on trial for looking after injured and dying people. It is essential that the neutrality of health professionals is respected throughout the world and should not be a reason to be put on trial.
‘We urge world leaders to take all necessary measures to ensure that health professionals are allowed to carry out their work unhindered. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is a federation of more than 130 national nurses associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide. Operated by nurses and leading nursing internationally since 1899. ICN works to ensure quality nursing care for all and sound health policies globally.
The World Medical Association (WMA) is the global federation of national medical associations representing the millions of physicians worldwide. Acting on behalf of physicians and patients, the WMA endeavours to achieve the highest possible standards of medical science, education, ethics and health care for all people.
Linda Carrier-Walker
International Council of Nurses
+41 22 908 0100 (office)
+41 22 908 0101 (mobile)
Dr. Otmar Kloiber
WMA Secretary General
+33 4 50 42 6757 (office)
+33 6 73 90 7686 (mobile)
Nigel Duncan
WMA Public Relations Consultant
+ 44 (0) 20 8997 3653 (work)
+ 44 (0) 7984 944 403 (mobile)
nduncan@ndcommunications.co.