Bahrain Mirror: The German Ambassador to Bahrain, Alfred Simms-Protz, expressed on Wednesday July 27, 2016, that his government shares concerns regarding recent developments in Bahrain with the Bahraini organizations. He pointed out that the German Foreign Ministry stresses that dissolving al-Wefaq Society and revoking Sheikh Isa Qassim's nationality both threaten an increase in the country's division.

The Bahraini-German Organization for Human Rights and Democracy said that it received a correspondence from the German ambassador, in response to a letter in which it addressed the deteriorating human rights situation, the systematic targeting of the Shiite community, and the trial of the Shiite spiritual leader in Bahrain, Sheikh Isa Qassim.

The ambassador said that the German government "shares your concern regarding the recent developments in Bahrain, and has repeatedly expressed its views openly."

"Allow me to draw your attention to the latest statements made by representatives of the Government: On July 18, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, we were informed with concern about the decision of the Supreme Civil Court yesterday to dissolve the opposition al-Wefaq Society in Bahrain. The charges placed by the Attorney General against the Shiite cleric Isa Qassim also poses a great concern to us. These measures targeting the opposition threaten to increase the division in the Bahraini society. It also raises serious questions in regards to freedom of expression and assembly, and the course of law in Bahrain. We call upon the Bahraini government to take part in a national dialogue with the opposition," he added.

Simms-Protz further stated that "before that, the Human Rights Commissioner Barbel Koffler stated on June 16, I am worried because of the recent Bahraini government measures against the opposition al-Wefaq Society. I am also concerned regarding the re-arrest of prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, and hardening the prison sentence on Secretary General of al-Wefaq Society, Sheikh Ali Salman. These measures are an unfortunate step backwards for freedom of association and the rule of law in Bahrain. Closing the largest opposition party does not go along with a country whose parliament's traditions go back 40 years."

She added that "the marginalization of the opposition maximizes the risk of increasing division in the country, and makes an attempt to re-start dialogue difficult. Therefore, we call on the Bahraini government to reconsider such measures. Operating on the principle of law must be in order."

"Please rest assured that we, in consultation with our partners in the European Parliament, will continue to monitor the development of the human rights situation in Bahrain closely. We will respond according to circumstances, as we understand the real security concerns facing Bahrain and recognize fully the obligations of the government to protect the country against extremism, terrorism, and foreign interference. It is our firm belief that long-term stability can only be achieved through a comprehensive and constructive dialogue, which is one of the basics for national reconciliation, respect of human rights, and more democratic reforms," the German Ambassador concluded.

Arabic Version