[cb editor: words without deeds are meaningless. Why is it the words come after the travesty of justice has been committed? The Foreign Secretary’s words won’t undo the injustice but sanctions and stopping weapons sales in all forms might get King Hamad’s attention.] <\/p>\n
Foreign Secretary concerned by sentences in Bahrain<\/strong> Speaking today the Foreign Secretary said:<\/p>\n \u201cI am deeply concerned, that after the briefest of hearings, a Bahraini Special Tribunal has sentenced a group of medics to between 5 and 15 years in prison, upheld life sentences against Bahraini opposition leaders and passed one sentence of the death penalty.<\/p>\n \u201cThese sentences appear disproportionate to the charges brought. These are worrying developments that could undermine the Bahraini Government\u2019s moves towards dialogue and the reform needed for long-term stability in Bahrain.<\/p>\n \u201cI call on the Bahraini judicial authorities to follow due process carefully and transparently, and to revoke the decision to impose the death penalty.<\/p>\n \u201cCases before the Special Tribunals should be transferred to regular civilian courts. This would help the Bahraini authorities demonstrate their commitment to upholding civil liberties, including the right to appeal and equal access to justice.\u201d …source<\/a><\/p>\n
\n29 September 2011 – Foreign and Commonwealth Office<\/p>\n