Justine Benin, Member of Parliament for Guadeloupe, questioned the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, on his commitment to ensuring respect for human dignity and political freedom in Bahrain. Ms. Benin has drawn attention to the growing lack of respect for human rights in Bahrain, and the repression by the authorities of all opposition figures.
Ms. Benin drew particular attention to the continued imprisonment of Hasan Mushaima, one of the main opponents of the government, and Abduljalil Al-Singace, an activist and human rights defender. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has repeatedly alerted the international community to the risks associated with the imprisonment of political opponents in Bahrain, and the blatant lack of political freedom in the country.
Several European parliamentarians have also expressed their deep concern regarding the situation in Bahrain, calling for the government to protect the human rights of its citizens, particularly within the political sphere. As a result, Ms. Benin has questioned Guadeloupe’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs directly, to enquire as to what diplomatic action is currently being taken to ensure that respect for human rights is upheld in Bahrain, as well as the fundamental right to political freedom.
