Written evidence submitted by Bahrain
Peace & Justice
RE: ROYAL
DECREE NO.
56/2002
We are writing to you seeking your assistance
with regard to the above matter.
His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad
bin Issa Al Khalifa issued Decree No 56 for 2002 that grants amnesty
to members of the Bahraini Security and Intelligence Service,
SIS, who are alleged to have committed serious crimes and abuse
of human rights such as, killing, torture, rape, and other forms
of ill treatments to children and adults.
Human Rights Organisations such as, Amnesty
International, Human Rights Watch, REDRESS, World Organisation
against Torture and others have written to the Bahraini Government
urging them to fulfil their obligations as a State party under
articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the UN Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
and various articles of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
to which the Kingdom of Bahrain is a signatory.
The Royal Decree will set a precedent for countries
that harbour torturers, war criminals, terrorists and perpetrators
of crimes against humanity.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council,
we urge the United Kingdom Government to advise and assist the
Kingdom of Bahrain to enable it to fulfil all its duties and responsibilities
under the United Nations charter and treaties. This action will
have real effect on the stability, peace, democracy and justice
development in the region.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Mr Yasser Al-Sayegh
Chairperson
Bahrain Peace & Justice
1 December 2004
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