Norway concerned over the human rights situation in Bahrain<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply concerned about the deterioration in the human rights situation in Bahrain,\u201d commented Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr St\u00f8re.<\/p>\n
The Foreign Minister is particularly concerned about the fact that four protesters were sentenced to death for their alleged involvement in the killing of two policemen during the protests in the country in March. \u201cThe fact that the trial took place behind closed doors in a military court gives cause for concern. The accusations against the four protesters are serious, and for that reason it is important that the trials are held in civilian courts, in accordance with the conventions that Bahrain itself has acceded to,\u201d said Mr St\u00f8re.<\/p>\n
\u201cNorway is opposed to the use of the death penalty in general, and I would like to encourage the Bahraini authorities to introduce a moratorium on executions,\u201d Mr St\u00f8re commented.<\/p>\n
Foreign Minister St\u00f8re is also very concerned about the fact that so many healthcare workers have been arrested in Bahrain, and finds it unacceptable that the Bahraini authorities have threatened in recent weeks to ban opposition parties in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cDialogue is the only way of solving the political conflict in Bahrain. It is therefore crucial that a national dialogue between the royal family and the protesters on necessary reforms gets under way as soon as possible. The Bahraini authorities must respect freedom of expression and protect human rights defenders in the country,\u201d Mr St\u00f8re said. …more<\/a><\/p>\n