15 October 2019 – On 1 October, French Member of Parliament (MP) Michel Larive tabled a parliamentary question on the human rights situation in Bahrain. He raised concerns regarding the execution of two Bahraini torture victims which took place in July 2019 and the ongoing suppression of human rights defenders and political opposition figures. In particular he raised the cases of Nabeel Rajab, Abdulhadi AlKhawaja and Dr. Abduljalil AlSingace. MP Larive asked if the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs was aware of these ongoing violations in the Kingdom of Bahrain and whether he planned to make a public statement on the subject in the near future. He also asked how France can use its influence to secure the release of political prisoners and human rights defenders. Find the full text of the question here.
On 8 October, French Member of Parliament (MP) Denis Sommer tabled a parliamentary question on the violation of international human rights law by the Government of Bahrain. He raised concerns regarding the campaign of repression against human rights defenders and political opposition figures. In particular he highlighted the crackdown of the freedoms of expression and association. MP Sommer asked what the international community intends to do to address Bahrain’s ongoing rights violations. Find the full text of the question here.
Also on 8 October, French Member of Parliament (MP) Marie Lebec tabled a parliamentary question on respect for human rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain. She highlighted the July executions of two Bahraini torture victims who were tried in an unfair trail, which were condemned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. MP Lebec asked what diplomatic approach the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs will take to ensure human rights in Bahrain. Find the full text of the question here.
Today, on 15 October, French Member of Parliament (MP) Bérengère Poletti tabled a parliamentary question on the situation of current and former women political prisoners in Bahrain. In particular she raised the cases of Najah Yusuf, Ebtisam Alsaegh, Medina Ali, and Hajer Mansoor. She highlighted how these women, along with many others, have been subjected to ill-treatment at all stages of the criminal process, including unlawful arrests; physical, sexual, and psychological torture to obtain confessions; and inhumane detention. MP Poletti asked if human rights are a part of the diplomatic discussions between France and Bahrain, as human rights are essential. Find the full text of the question here.
Lastly, also on 15 October, French Member of Parliament (MP) Laure de La Raudière tabled a parliamentary question on human rights in Bahrain. In particular she mentioned ongoing calls for a true constitutional monarchy and the government crackdown on members of the political opposition. Find the full text of the question here.
All of these parliamentary questions were a result of ADHRB’s international advocacy efforts.
