MPs’ election sparks rights bill concern
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 18th December 2006
HUMAN rights activists are hoping the new parliament will undo what they say was legislation against personal freedom.
But they are disappointed that 14 out of 19 MPs named on a blacklist for allegedly contributing to human rights violations, have been re-elected.
They include independents and members of Al Asala Islamic Society and Al Menbar Islamic Society.
Ten were initially re-elected in the first round of the national elections on November 25 and another four in the second round last Saturday.
MPs’ election sparks rights bill concern
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 18th December 2006
HUMAN rights activists are hoping the new parliament will undo what they say was legislation against personal freedom.
But they are disappointed that 14 out of 19 MPs named on a blacklist for allegedly contributing to human rights violations, have been re-elected.
They include independents and members of Al Asala Islamic Society and Al Menbar Islamic Society.
Ten were initially re-elected in the first round of the national elections on November 25 and another four in the second round last Saturday.
The blacklist was drawn up and circulated before the elections by the now unofficial Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), which was forcibly dissolved by the government in September 2004, for allegedly breaching the 1989 Societies Law.
It says they contributed to human rights violations in the country by ratifying laws that restrict freedom and contradict human rights such as the political societies law, terrorism law and legislation on gatherings and demonstrations among others.
The BCHR argues they disregarded international obligations and condemnations by national, regional and international human rights organisations in passing the bills.
BCHR president Abdulhadi Al Khawaja said he was disappointed with the results.
“I am not so worried as before, because there are some changes in the composition of the parliament,” he said.
“But re-electing the same people who issued laws against human rights is disappointing.
“Many people were not looking into the record of the politicians, especially those who did not perform well.
“But we hope that their performance will be better this time, especially that there are new faces and blocks.”
Mr Al Khawaja believes the blacklist may have helped voters decide to kick out the four candidates who lost.
“I think it was effective because I am sure the people who were re-elected were concerned about how the blacklist could affect their reputation and I hope it will change their performance,” he said.
© Gulf Daily News
