I am monitoring closely the case of Mr. Nabeel Rajab, who was arrested on 5 May on his return to Bahrain from Lebanon for comments he had made on a social networking site criticising the Ministry of the Interior in Bahrain. Mr. Rajab has now been charged in court on 17 May with inciting protests through the use of social networks. Mr. Rajab's case highlights issues regarding respect for such fundamental rights as freedom of expression. Bahrain has an obligation, as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, not to place onerous restrictions on the exercise of free speech. Governments do not have to agree with the opinions and views of citizens but they must allow their citizens the freedom to express their views.
At Bahrain's Universal Periodic Review yesterday in Geneva, Ireland recommended that Bahrain amend any articles of its Penal Code that can be used to prosecute individuals for the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly or association, and bring its law in line with international standards established by the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights. Officials in my Department have also raised my concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain with the Bahraini Ambassador in London. In addition, the Ambassador in Riyadh has relayed my concerns directly to the Bahraini authorities. Concerns about Mr. Rajab's detention have also been expressed to the Bahraini authorities by senior EU officials visiting Bahrain on 17 May.
I have already made clear on a number of occasions, including in this House, my own deep concern and that of the Irish Government and people regarding the general human rights situation in Bahrain. While I welcome the reforms already initiated by the Bahraini authorities in response to the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, I remain concerned that more needs to be done to address the legitimate demands of those peacefully seeking reform and greater inter-communal dialogue. Demonstrations and unrest in predominantly Shia communities are still continuing, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive follow-up to the recommendations of the BICI report. A way must be found through dialogue to chart a new and inclusive future for Bahrain and I urge the Bahraini authorities and the opposition to engage genuinely and meaningfully in Bahrain's national reconciliation process.
