HUMAN RIGHTS IN BAHRAIN

Early day motion 1837, tabled 19 May 2011 by Baroness Clark of Kilwinning (Labour). Signed by 30 members.

That this House strongly condemns the continuing repressive measures taken against those involved in pro-democracy protests by the regime of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Bahrain; notes with serious concern that around 30 demonstrators are reported to have been killed by Government forces, including at least three children, one of whom, Ahmed Shams, was shot in the head while playing outside his home; is deeply worried at reports of sexual abuse of schoolgirls in the country; is troubled at the death penalty awarded to four demonstrators for the murder of two policemen despite concerns raised by human rights organisations about the fairness of the trial; is further troubled at the continuing imprisonment, sacking from their jobs, and harassment of those suspected of involvement in pro-democracy protests; further condemns the bulldozing of ancient mosques and other places of worship and of cultural importance by the regime's forces; deplores the continuing presence of troops from Saudi Arabia in the country; and calls on the Government to put every diplomatic pressure possible ontheir Bahraini and Saudi counterparts, including an immediate suspension of the sale of arms to both countries, to end their repressive measures and move towards giving the people in Bahrain a greater say in their own affairs.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 6, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.