Bahrain Mirror: Sandra Marsaud and Éric Girardin, Members of French Parliament (MPs), drew the attention of the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, to the deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain, according to American for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) website.

Ms. Marsaud and Mr. Girardin are both French National Assembly members, and have represented La Republique En Marche since 2017. Mr. Giradrin also serves as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

In her statement, Ms. Marsaud referred specifically to the rising number of reports issued by international observers about the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the continued restricted access to human rights organizations into the country, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Ms. Marsaud condemned the repression of political activists and human rights defenders, as well as the attacks on freedom of movement, deprivation of citizenship, and torture in detention. Explicit attention was drawn to the lack of access to essential healthcare, despite the outbreak of COVID-19 in Bahrain's prisons.

In light of these concerning issues, Ms. Marsaud questioned the Foreign Affairs Minister on what diplomatic initiatives France is taking to end such persecution by Bahraini authorities in the country.

In his statement, Mr. Girardin furthered these concerns by referring to the arbitrary deprivation of civil liberties in Bahrain, particularly with regards to opposition leaders, journalists, and trade unionists.

Mr. Girardin denounced the repression of these important civil society actors for having demanded respect for human rights in the country, and the continued risk for the families of those who continue their activism in exile.

Specific attention was drawn to the cases of human rights defender Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace, and political opposition leader Hasan Mushaima, who exemplify those suffering reprisals for demanding change in the Kingdom.

Mr. Girardin stated that France must demand the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression, and urged the Foreign Affairs Minister to take action in this regard.

Hasan Mushaima was recently transferred to hospital following a rapid deterioration in his health, after authorities repeatedly failed to provide him with adequate healthcare in prison. He continues to be denied basic medications and treatment, causing him to suffer from irreversible effects to his health. Additionally, Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace has been on hunger strike since July 8, 2021, in protest against his ill-treatment in prison, and the confiscation of his writings that he had spent four years working on. Despite his hunger strike entering its eighth week, authorities continue to deny his basic freedoms and ignore his requests to respect his human rights.

Arabic Version