Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he plans to take following the recent death of Hasan Al-Shaikh in Bahrain as a result of alleged police torture; and how the use of torture in Bahrain will change his policy towards that country.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
The British Ambassador to Bahrain has publicly raised the UK’s concern about the death of Hasan al-Shaikh at Bahrain’s Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre. A Special Investigation Unit report led to six members of staff, including three high ranking officers, appearing before the High Criminal Court on 25 November to answer charges of assaulting and torturing four men, including Al Shaikh. All six defendents pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned until 22 December. The UK Government stands firmly against torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment, and we continue to work closely with the Government of Bahrain to share best practice on torture prevention measures.
Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the arrest of Zainab Al-Khawaja in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
I understand that Zainab Al-Khawaja was released on bail on 19 November. Her next court hearing will be on 9 December for charges under Bahrain’s "lese majeste" law. The British Ambassador to Bahrain has raised the case at a senior level with the Government of Bahrain and emphasised the importance of ensuring that due legal process is respected and international norms of justice adhered to. I will continue to monitor the case closely.
Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the arrest and torture of 13 women in Bahrain for organising a public referendum; and what assessment he has made on the prevalence of the use of torture in Bahrain.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
I am aware of the arrest of 15 women on 16 November on suspicion of disrupting the electoral process, belonging to an illegal group and calling for the overthrow of the government. I understand that all of them have now been released, but investigations into 12 individuals continue. The British Embassy in Bahrain will continue to monitor these cases.
The UK Government stands firmly against torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment. We remain concerned by continuing allegations of torture and mistreatment in Bahrain, and continue to urge the Government of Bahrain to investigate any such allegations promptly, thoroughly and impartially.
Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the recent finding of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that Tagi Al Maidan is being arbitrarily detained in Bahrain, if he will make representations to the government of that country seeking the release of Mr Al Maidan.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
Last September, US citizen Taqi Al Maidan was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of unlawful assembly, intent to kill police officers, destruction of police vehicles, and possession of petrol bombs. The Embassy of the United States in Manama continues to offer consular services to Mr. Al-Maidan. The British Embassy in Bahrain will remain in contact with the Embassy of the United States on this case.
Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received of violations of (a) human rights, (b) civil rights and (c) property rights in Venezuela; what recent discussions (i) HM Ambassador, (ii) officials in his Department and (iii) Ministers in his Department have had with the government of Venezuela about human rights in that country; what responses have been received; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Swire
I remain deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela. I am saddened by the deaths that have occurred since protests started in February, and condemn all acts of violence. I am concerned by reports of excessive use of force in protests, and of armed groups using violence, and I call on all sides to show restraint.
I wrote to Venezuelan Ambassador and most recently to Mr Alvaro Sanchez, the Charge d'Affaires, on 24 March 2014 to raise my concerns and to emphasise the need for a peaceful dialogue. I have also spoken to Ministers across the region, including during my recent visit to South America, to reiterate this message. In addition, as recently as 6 June, the Director for Americas raised human rights with opposition and civil society representatives during a visit to Caracas. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials maintain a regular dialogue with the Venezuelan Embassy in London regarding these issues.
Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will raise at the United Nations the issue of violations of (a) human rights, (b) civil rights and (c) property rights in Venezuela; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Swire
I remain deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela. I am saddened by the deaths that have occurred since protests started in February, and condemn all acts of violence. I am concerned by reports of excessive use of force in protests, and of armed groups using violence, and I call on all sides to show restraint. I am also aware that legal action and investigations are underway. It is critical that due process is followed.
I support the efforts by Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Vatican to support and advise on dialogue between the parties. I have spoken to colleagues in the region, including during my recent visit to South America, to urge their governments to promote dialogue. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has already called on all actors to engage in a dialogue aimed at finding common ground. The UK has no current plans to raise the situation further at the United Nations.
I will continue to monitor the situation carefully.