The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically rejected statements and allegations issued by some organizations regarding the death sentence imposed on July 13, 2020 on two individuals convicted of the premeditated murder of a police officer in 2014.
Such statements are based on false information and misleading claims sourced from groups with a clear history of systematically spreading baseless anti-Bahrain propaganda, the ministry said in a statement.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlines that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s legal rules and procedures are fully consistent with international law and human rights principles adopted by the United Nations, and that its courts uphold all guarantees for defendants during all stages of the trial,” the ministry said.””
“Every stage of the two men’s trial and appeal process met all the requirements of due process and fair trial, including legal representation and the examination of all the evidence against them. In all, 15 judges reviewed the case in trial and appeal courts over a period of six years, and were unanimously convinced that the evidence against the accused proved their criminal responsibility.”
As in other countries, Bahrain’s laws and criminal justice system aim to protect the private rights of citizens and residents, maintain the stability of society, and uphold the rights of any person accused of an offence, the statement added.
“The death penalty is imposed only very rarely in Bahrain, in only gravest cases, and is not inconsistent with international human rights law, as confirmed in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the ministry said.
“The ministry notes that should the countries of the world, especially the Islamic countries, agree to take a position by reviewing or abolishing this punishment, the Kingdom will seriously consider addressing this issue.”
