“The US is extremely disappointed by the convictions of medics,” the Assistant US Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour Michael H. Posner told reporters at the US Embassy told reporters.
Addressing a Press conference, Posner said that he held talks with the number of Ministers and top officials and informed them that civil societies should be allowed operate freely in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“Today, an appeals court in Bahrain upheld the convictions of nine medics and acquitted nine others associated with protests last year at the Salmaniya Medical Complex. While sentences were reduced, we are deeply disappointed by these convictions, and that the Bahraini government did not use alternative means to address these cases. As we have said in the past, these convictions appear to be based, at least in part, on the defendants’ criticisms of government actions and policies. The defendants are appealing these convictions to the Court of Cassation. We urge an expedited review of these convictions and that the medics should be allowed to remain at home pending appeal. We hope that this review will result in a dismissal of criminal charges in the interest of turning the page on the events of last year and repairing the social fabric of Bahrain,” he added.
“This is my fifth visit to Bahrain in the last 18 months. I welcome the opportunity to be here to continue discussions of mutual interest and importance to Bahrain and the United States. Bahrain remains an important partner, ally and friend of the United States,” Posner in a statement said.
During my visit, he said, I have met with senior government officials, as well as lawyers, journalists, medical professionals, human rights advocates, and members of several political societies. “I have learned much about developments in Bahrain since my last visit in February of this year. My discussions here have been productive, open, lively and reflective of the strong and longstanding relationship between the people and governments of our two countries,” he said.
“My discussions with a broad cross-section of Bahrainis have focused primarily on the status of – and prospects for – a comprehensive political dialogue in Bahrain, as well as the process of implementing the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). The Government of Bahrain has taken some important first steps in laying the foundation for dialogue and for reconciliation in Bahrain. We are pleased, for instance, to see a great number of workers reinstated in their jobs, students back to school and that the ICRC has been able to gain access to prisons.
The US called upon the Bahraini Government to do more on improving its human rights record as part of ongoing reforms in the country.
However, he said, much remains to be done. “The Government of Bahrain needs to take action on the full range of other BICI recommendations that we believe will help lay the foundation for longer-term reform and reconciliation. This includes prosecuting those officials responsible for the violations identified in the BICI report, dropping charges against all persons accused of offenses involving political expression including freedom of assembly, and ensuring fair and expeditious trials in appeals cases. It also means continuing work to professionalize and diversify Bahrain’s security forces to reflect the communities which they serve. Working to implement the recommendations of the BICI in an inclusive way will enhance trust and create the space for dialogue and negotiation,” he added.