Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the final appeal court’s verdict of 7 January against opposition activists in Bahrain

Brussels, 10-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

“High Representative Catherine Ashton was deeply disappointed at the decision of the Bahraini Court of Cassation to uphold the sentences of 13 political activists on Monday 7 January 2013.

She had expressed her hope that clemency could be shown in the treatment of human rights defenders and political activists detained in Bahrain in connection with the 2011 events.

The High Representative takes this opportunity to call, once again, on the Bahraini Government to fully implement all the recommendations of the 2011 Bahrain Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report. This is crucial to build the mutual trust conducive to a meaningful and inclusive national dialogue as a key to address outstanding issues and prepare the ground for sustainable reforms.”

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 – +32 2 299 97 80 – Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu
Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu
Sébastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 – Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
0abila Massrali +32 460 75 41 75 – 0abila.Massrali@ec.europa.eu
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