Press Release
Published on November 22, 2014
Washington, D.C. – In response to today’s parliamentary elections in Bahrain, Human Rights First’s Brian Dooley issued the following statement:
“Today’s results won’t change very much in the Bahraini government. Washington needs to issue a constructive and realistic response if it hopes to help the kingdom out of its political deadlock.
“Now is a good time for the U.S. Government to repeat President Obama’s reminder to the Bahraini regime that the kingdom won’t be able to move toward a real political dialogue as long as leaders of the peaceful opposition remain in jail.
“Bahrain needs an inclusive political system that respects human rights. A parliament that rubber-stamps the unelected ruling family’s wishes will only lead to further polarization and sectarianism in the region.”
On December 5-7, several U.S. Senators will travel to Bahrain to participate in the Manama Dialogue regional security conference. Human Rights First urges the U.S. Delegation to the Manama Dialogue to make clear that successful cooperation on security measures requires Bahrain to move toward a stable and inclusive government.
