12 July 2011
In a series of written parliamentary replies published Wednesday, the British government said that it does not know how many political prisoners are currently held in Bahraini jails but that it has raised a long list of concerns about the conduct of military trials, including against 48 health professionals.
Bahrain
Questions
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of political prisoners currently held in Bahrain.
12 July 2011
In a series of written parliamentary replies published Wednesday, the British government said that it does not know how many political prisoners are currently held in Bahraini jails but that it has raised a long list of concerns about the conduct of military trials, including against 48 health professionals.
Bahrain
Questions
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the number of political prisoners currently held in Bahrain.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): We have made no assessment of the exact number of political prisoners currently held in Bahraini detention centres.
We remain deeply concerned by the imprisonment of leading moderate politicians and the alleged mistreatment of detainees. We continue to press the Government of Bahrain to meet all their human rights obligations.
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the military trials of doctors in Bahrain; and what representations they have made to the Government of Bahrain regarding this.
Lord Howell of Guildford: Our embassy has been able to attend some of the many trials currently taking place in the National Safety Courts, including the trials of the 48 medical staff. Our primary concerns in the legal process have been the methods of arrest, early access to legal counsel, allegations of abuse in detention, methods of interrogation, alleged coerced confessions, the charges brought against defendants, and the implications that medical professionals may not be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of recrimination.
My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary raised UK concerns about the trial of medical staff when he met the Crown Prince of Bahrain on 25 May. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Mr Burt, also raised the issue in his public statement of 1 June. Our ambassador continues to raise our concerns at the highest level with the Government of Bahrain to ensure that due process is followed in all cases and that human rights are fully respected.
Asked by Baroness Tonge
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the sentences handed down to Bahraini protesters following demonstrations; and what relevant discussions they have had with the Government of Bahrain.
Lord Howell of Guildford: We are deeply concerned by the nature of the charges and we continue to raise our concerns over the conduct of the trials. We repeatedly urge the Bahrainis that due process should be carefully and transparently followed in the National Safety Trials. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary raised UK concerns about the arrests of protesters and medical staff when he met the Crown Prince of Bahrain on 25 May. Our ambassador continues to raise our concerns at the highest level with the Government of Bahrain.
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 16 June (WA 206), what is meant by the term “real and meaningful reform” in the case of Bahrain.
Lord Howell of Guildford: By the term “real and meaningful reform” the UK Government mean that the reforms which result from the national dialogue must be enough to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Bahraini people. It is not for the UK Government to dictate the exact nature of these reforms. These should be determined by the participants.
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