Bahrain ready

TDT | Manama

Bahrain yesterday confirmed that it would seriously consider abolishing death sentences “should countries of the world, especially the Islamic countries, agree to take a position” on the matter. “The death penalty is imposed only very rarely in Bahrain,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs said adding that it is given “in only gravest of the cases.”

The ministry said this in a statement “categorically rejecting” allegations that the death sentences against two for bombing a convoy and killing a police officer were unfair. The allegations, the Ministry said, are “misleading” and “false” and from groups having a clear history of “systematically spreading anti-Bahrain propaganda”.

The verdicts, the ministry said, are also “fully consistent with the international law and human rights principles adopted by the United Nations. Bahrain’s highest court on 13 July 2020 upheld death sentences against the two men, issued by a criminal court in December 2014. The ministry pointed out that the court upheld all guarantees for defendants during all stages of the trial.

“Every stage of the two men’s trial and appeal process met all the requirements of due process and fair trial, including legal representation and the examination of all the evidence against them.” A total of 15 judges reviewed the case in trial and appeal courts over a period of six years.

The verdict, the ministry said, was unanimous based on the evidence proving the convicts “criminal responsibility.” “As in other countries, Bahrain’s laws and criminal justice system aim to protect the private rights of citizens and residents, maintain the stability of society, and uphold the rights of any person accused of an offence,” the statement said.