New York, United Nations – In a statement issued today, UN Secretary-General noted with deep concern the harsh sentences, including life imprisonment, handed down in Bahrain against 21 political activists, human rights defenders and opposition leaders.
He urged the Bahraini authorities to allow all defendants to exercise their right to appeal and to act in strict accordance with their international human rights obligations, including the right to due process and a fair trial.
The Secretary-General expressed also his hope that the Bahraini authorities will do everything possible to create an environment conducive for the start of a concrete national dialogue announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, adding that this dialogue should be genuine, inclusive and lead to tangible outcomes which address the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis.
The statement of Ban Ki-moon came after Bahrain sentenced, on Wednesday, 21 prominent activists and opposition leaders to life in prison on charges of plotting a coup during protests that took place in the Kingdom earlier this year.
