AD calls for action ‘not cheap talk’ on human rights situation in Bahrain

Alternattiva Demokratika has deplored the fact that Malta has failed to condemn the violation of human rights in Bahrain.

Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD spokesperson on EU and International Affairs, said that for the first time last week 28 countries including Mexico, Norway, Costa Rica, France, and Germany, condemned ongoing violations in Bahrain through a joint collective declaration during a UN Human Rights Council debate.

"Unfortunately, Malta joined the United States, the United Kingdom and six other EU members - Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden - in not supporting the joint initiative."

"The Maltese government should act on its principles in a consistent manner rather than offering cheap talk," Cassola said. "It is shameful that we have failed to pronounce ourselves on the treatment of political prisoners in this country.  Limited economic interests should never prevail over illegalities and human rights abuses which are unacceptable in a democratic world."

Unrest in the tiny island state started on 14 February 2011 and has left at least 40 people dead. It made headlines because of Bahrain's status as a key US ally, its sectarian divide and its previously stable image.

Predominantly Shia Muslim protesters have been demanding action to tackle economic hardship, the lack of political freedom and employment discrimination in favour of the ruling Sunni Muslim minority.

The government, led by King Hamad bin al-Khalifa, has accused Iran of orchestrating the protests. For weeks, the demonstrators occupied the centre of the capital, Manama.

King Hamad clamped down hard on 16 March, clearing the protesters' camp in a show of force condemned by the UN as "shocking".

He imposed a state of emergency and used hundreds of soldiers from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to beef up security.

Bahrain's most prolific activist is probably Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, an outspoken critic of the government who was handed a life sentence last year. He went on hunger strike in January 2012 for 110 days.