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Bahrain: Prisoners Under Sentence of Death
09 July 2020
Lead MP
Peter Bottomley
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Peter Bottomley raised concerns about bahrain: prisoners under sentence of death in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Asked the Foreign Secretary to make a statement on whether he would use constructive dialogue with Bahrain's government publicly to raise cases of two prisoners sentenced to death following torture and facing confirmation of their sentences in court.
James Cleverly
Cons
Braintree
Emphasised the UK’s ongoing dialogue with Bahrain, expressing that human rights concerns are raised both publicly and privately. He confirmed the UK's stance against capital punishment and reiterated that cases of Mohammed Ramadhan and Hussain Moosa were discussed at senior levels.
Peter Bottomley
Con
Worthing West
Expressed gratitude to the Minister for his response. Highlighted previous cases he worked on involving wrongful convictions and torture, urging Bahrain to take into account views expressed by the UK House of Commons regarding human rights concerns.
Stephen Doughty
Lab/C
Cardiff South and Penarth
Complimented Peter Bottomley for raising the matter. Criticised the effectiveness of the UK's engagement with Bahrain on this issue, citing increased use of torture and executions despite funding support. Called for an independent inquiry into alleged abuses.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Welcomed Peter Bottomley’s urgent question and referred to a 2018 report questioning the UK's support of Bahraini oversight bodies due to torture cases. Urged the Minister to consider his position on the matter.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Congratulated Peter Bottomley for securing the urgent question and questioned the effectiveness of UK’s technical assistance programme in Bahrain. Suggested reviewing or suspending the programme if death sentences are confirmed.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
The UK Government remains committed to promoting universal freedoms and human rights around the world, with Bahrain being a human rights priority country. The relationship between the UK and Bahrain allows for frank conversations about improving human rights situations. If death penalties are upheld in Bahrain, the UK will continue to oppose them publicly.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Asked what actions the Government is taking to ensure that Bahrain meets its human rights obligations and how they position the UK at the forefront of promoting human rights globally.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Questioned whether the Government will make effective representations for Mohammed Ramadhan and Hussain Moosa before their Court of Cassation’s final decision, given only five days to save their lives.
Suggested that private comments might be more effective in achieving results regarding human rights issues. Asked about efforts being made to ensure freedom of the press in Bahrain.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Glasgow Central
Co-chair of the all-party parliamentary human rights group, asked for an urgent meeting to discuss cases of Mohammed Ramadhan and Hussain Moosa before their Court of Cassation’s final decision.
Asked about measures being taken by the Department to ensure political reform and democratic accountability in Bahrain.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Questioned the Minister on whether he would publish the assessment carried out under OSJA in relation to assistance provided to Bahrain, suggesting an overhaul of the process is needed.
Asked how the Government ensures that Bahrain is clear about the UK’s position on human rights.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Asked whether the UK Government will impose sanctions on individuals and organisations in the Bahraini authorities who have been complicit in torture.
Congratulated his colleague for bringing forward an urgent question, asked about cutting technical assistance to Bahrain, suggested using influence with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to ensure sentencing discretion is reduced.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Asked the Minister if he would ask our ambassador in Bahrain to urgently attend their trial as an international observer.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Emphasised the strength of UK-Bahrain diplomatic relationship, highlighting the ambassador's engagement in human rights issues. Assured that the UK will continue to engage Bahrain regarding the death penalty and human rights reforms.
unknown constituency
Asked for reassurances that the full range of diplomatic channels would be used to encourage reform in Bahrain, including human rights and political improvements.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Expressed concern over 10 prisoners on death row facing imminent execution and questioned the effectiveness of UK sanctions against individuals involved in human rights abuses.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Asked about Bahrain's constitutional right to a fair trial, encouraging the Government of Bahrain to follow due process.
David Linden
Lab
unknown constituency
Raised concerns over UK-funded training for oversight institutions in Bahrain that have been involved in whitewashing human rights abuses and facilitating executions.
Bob Stewart
Con
unknown constituency
Argued for the fairness of Bahrain's judicial system, noting that both men were convicted based on evidence and testimony. Hoped the King would commute death sentences if upheld.
Felicity Buchan
Labour or Conservative
unknown constituency
Asked about steps being taken by HM Government to end the death penalty globally, particularly in relation to the two individuals sentenced to death in Bahrain.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Con
unknown constituency
Confirmed that human rights remain at the heart of UK foreign policy and that this is exemplified by designating Bahrain as a priority country for human rights issues.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Inquired about the content of training provided by the College of Policing to oversight bodies in Bahrain, specifically regarding treatment of prisoners and use of torture.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Asked for an update on discussions with Bahrain concerning freedom of religion, highlighting its importance in UK foreign policy.
Warrington North
Questioned the efficacy of encouraging Bahrain to follow due process and meet international human rights obligations after legal remedies are exhausted for those on death row.
Asked the Minister to provide further assurances that the Government will take every possible step to safeguard press freedoms in Bahrain, given its key importance in ensuring human rights.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Stated that there are concerns about the diversity of the press in Bahrain and it remains a human rights priority for the UK. The Government encourages Bahrain to bring forward proposed legislation swiftly to improve oversight bodies within the country.
Expressed concern about the FCO's defence of the Bahraini ombudsman and Special Investigations Unit, which seem flawed in their investigations into alleged torture. He appealed to the Minister not to rest on this issue as it is a matter of justice and life and death.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Reaffirmed that oversight bodies are important for transparency, effectiveness, and resilience. The Government aims to help Bahrain improve its institutions and supports the country's desire for improvement in this regard.
Government Response
Reiterated the UK's opposition to capital punishment and torture, stating that these issues were raised at senior levels. Defended the technical assistance programme as robust and aiding in Bahrain’s efforts towards reform. Emphasised the concerns about press diversity in Bahrain and highlighted the UK’s role in encouraging reforms. He also mentioned the importance of oversight bodies for transparency, effectiveness, and resilience, affirming support to help Bahrain improve.
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