Brussels – Tuesday 21/06/2011
The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, made the following statement on the trial of medical professionals in Bahrain that resumed yesterday:
“I am following closely the resumed trial against dozens of doctors and nurses in Bahrain that are accused of illegal activities during the protests. I am very much concerned by the reports from several respected NGOs that the defendants have been submitted to torture.
Brussels – Tuesday 21/06/2011
The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, made the following statement on the trial of medical professionals in Bahrain that resumed yesterday:
“I am following closely the resumed trial against dozens of doctors and nurses in Bahrain that are accused of illegal activities during the protests. I am very much concerned by the reports from several respected NGOs that the defendants have been submitted to torture.
I hope Bahrain will leave the path of violence and suppression. The authorities must turn towards the aspirations of citizens – not against them. This can only be achieved through a genuine and open dialogue with the opposition. For this, the authorities must prove their true commitment to rebuilding confidence. Ensuring a due process of law for all detainees would be a proof of such a commitment. This must include access to proper legal assistance and visiting rights for family and friends.
The EU and the whole international community wants Bahrain to be a constructive partner in the region, a partner committed to peaceful integration of different communities into a state of freedom and democracy. Recourse to torture or any other form of state violence is not only alienating the people, it is a major obstacle to our relations. The Bahraini authorities must understand and respond to the signs of the time, to the signs of change.”