Detentions not based on political expressions

Manama

Foreign Affairs Ministry slammed fallacies mentioned in a recent statement issued by US State Department on legal procedures against a number of citizens in Bahrain.

In a press statement released yesterday, Foreign Affairs Ministry said, “Any individual in detention, including those mentioned in the statement released by the U.S. State Department, are detained on the basis of criminal acts, and not as a political expression. Also, they were subjected to due legal process as guaranteed under Bahrain’s constitution.”

“Political expression is a fundamental right and not a crime. Freedom of expression is enshrined in the constitution and protected by the law. However, Bahrain will not tolerate incitement of violence, and it is the government's duty to protect citizens, residents, and visitors alike,” the ministry said in the statement.

The statement adds Bahrain has a strong track record of openness and cooperation with the international community and partners including the United States, on a number of issues such as human rights, political, and criminal justice reforms.

“As with the comprehensive reforms implemented in recent years, the government will continue to deliver sustainable development that represents the interests of all sections of society, thereby serving the national interest,” the ministry said.

US State Department Spokesperson John Kirby claimed on Tuesday the arrest of recently released Bahraini opposition figure Ibrahim Sharif, the detention and prosecution of opposition figure Majeed Milad, and reports about the re-opening of the case against Secretary General of Al Wefaq Political Society Ali Salman “raise serious concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression in Bahrain.”

His statement mentioned, “While we welcome initial reports that Bahraini rights activist Nabeel Rajab has been released from jail, we continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to respect the freedom of expression, a universal right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bahrain is a party.”