guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 4 October 2011 21.00 BST
Our foreign secretary has rightly condemned the sentencing of Bahraini doctors and nurses who were arrested after “security” forces overran the Salmaniya Medical Centre in Bahrain’s capital, Manama (Bahraini medics jailed for up to 15 years for helping protesters, 30 September). But, with the defendants’ credible allegations of torture and intimidation and after dodgy trials by a special security court, to describe 15-year sentences as “disproportionate” is a gross understatement.
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 4 October 2011 21.00 BST
Our foreign secretary has rightly condemned the sentencing of Bahraini doctors and nurses who were arrested after “security” forces overran the Salmaniya Medical Centre in Bahrain’s capital, Manama (Bahraini medics jailed for up to 15 years for helping protesters, 30 September). But, with the defendants’ credible allegations of torture and intimidation and after dodgy trials by a special security court, to describe 15-year sentences as “disproportionate” is a gross understatement.
The regime’s abuse of the legal system shows the insincerity of its commitment to reconciliation. Until there is real justice for all Bahrainis there is little hope for peace and stability.
The time for diplomatic expressions of disapproval is over. Bahrain’s friends need to make it clear that unless its leadership is prepared to respect the rights of all of its citizens then sanctions must follow.
Ann Clwyd MP
Chair, parliamentary human rights group
guardian.co.uk
