Bahrain lashes out at fallacies in US remarks

Manama : Bahrain hit back yesterday at fallacies included in the US statement, which expressed concern over the High Commissioner’s report on restraints imposed on peaceful rallying and political activities.

In a statement within the framework of general discussion, Bahrain’s delegation to the UN office and other international organisations in Geneva stressed the autonomy and impartiality of Bahrain’s judiciary.

The delegation asserted that it is unfair to force any government not to enforce the law on any individual because of his international reputation.

They affirmed that all judicial procedures were taken without discrimination and with the provision of legal guarantees for the defendants. “Independence and impartiality of the judiciary are the main pillars to protect and boost human rights.”

They asserted that inciting violence against Bahrain’s police in public speeches, possessing and smuggling weapons and explosives, sharing  intelligence with foreign countries, threatening national stability, and participating in armed conflicts in the region are all incriminated acts. 

“It will undermine public order and require appropriate legal punishment, including revocation of the Bahraini citizenship,” they noted.

They also added that freedom of expression and the right to peaceful demonstration were legally guaranteed according to international standards.