BHRC releases a Trial Observation Report on the Kingdom of Bahrain
The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (“BHRC”) today published a report of a trial observation conducted between 4 and 5 July 2010 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The report marks a timely review of the treatment of defendants and cases brought before the courts in Bahrain following the increased clampdown by the authorities on Shi’a opposition and human rights activists
Pete Weatherby, barrister at Garden Court North Chambers and member of the BHRC, travelled to Bahrain during the summer to observe proceedings in the Adary Park and Ma’ameer cases. During this time, he met with officials from Ministry of Interior, as well as the Head of Prosecutions and defence lawyers.
The BHRC’s recommendations and conclusions go to the heart of the continuous reports of the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain. Concerns remain regarding the admission of coerced confessions and persistent and pervasive allegations of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, including incommunicado detention. The BHRC calls on the Kingdom of Bahrain to investigate these allegations, ensure that the safeguards enshrined in the law to protect detainee’s rights are enforced and upheld, and investigate persistent and credible allegations of torture and ill-treatment. Such actions are imperative if the independence and integrity of the administration of justice is to be maintained and the rule of law is to have any meaning.
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Notes for editors:
1. The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) is the international human rights arm of the Bar of England and Wales. It is an independent body concerned with defending the rule of law and internationally recognised legal standards relating to human rights and the right to a fair trial.
2. Pete Weatherby was called to the Bar in 1992 and practices mainly in human rights, prison, inquest and criminal law.
3. To arrange an interview with Pete Weatherby, please contact or for further information please contact Sally Longworth, Bar Human Rights Committee Project Coordinator: bhrc@compuserve.com / 0207 993 7755.
Read the full report here.
