LATEST NEWS AND STATEMENTS

• Bahrain – Launch of national dialogue (23.01.13)

  France welcomes King Hamad’s invitation to all Bahraini political forces to participate in a new national dialogue.

• Bahrain – Confirmation of the sentences imposed on 13 protest leaders (07.01.13)

  We regret the decisions of Bahrain’s highest appeal court confirming the harsh sentences imposed on 13 opposition leaders last year. We had hoped for a lenient ruling likely to create a climate of reconciliation between all parties.

• Bahrain – Attack in Manama (06.11.12)

  We take note of the condemnation of these acts by the different political forces. We urge the parties to reject the use of violence and to mobilize their efforts in support of a process of inclusive dialogue.

• Bahrain - Journalist’s sentences (Q&A - Excerpt from the daily press briefing - 02.10.12)

  We expected a lenient sentence consistent with the charges against the defendants while more needs to be done to calm the political situation and establish an atmosphere conducive to dialogue. We regret the fact that the Bahraini justice system has decided otherwise.

• Bahrain – Acquittal of human rights activist Nabeel Rajab (24.08.12)

  We are relieved to note that Mr. Nabeel Rajab has been acquitted of the charges for his remarks on social networks. However, we remain extremely concerned about the situation of Mr. Rajab, whose 3-year prison sentence for his participation in demonstrations on August 16 still stands.

• Bahrain – Increasing tensions (13.04.12)

  France is concerned by the increased violence in various locations in recent days. The use of violence, whatever its origin, cannot be a solution, and must be rejected by all parties.

• Bahrain (Q&A - Excerpt from the daily press briefing - 26.03.12)

  We hope that the announced measures will now be implemented within the framework of an inclusive process of reform and dialogue which will bring together all components of Bahraini society and political life.

• Bahrain (Q&A - Excerpt from the daily press briefing - 12.01.12)

  The court of cassation decided to refer the case of two prisoners sentenced to death to the court of appeal. We hope that this positive decision will become part of a process to restore trust with a view toward promoting national reconciliation and easing tensions on a lasting basis.