Foreign Ministry responds to Reporters Without Borders, stressing terrorist acts, inciting law violation are crimes punishable by law

Manama, Mar. 17 (BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the press release issued by Reporters Without Borders concerning Abduljalil Al-Singace, noting that it is “clearly based on inaccurate and incomplete information”. In a statement aimed to “set out the facts of the case”, the Foreign Ministry said: “The Public Prosecution charged Abduljalil Al-Singace, and 20 others, with offences including attempting to unlawfully and forcibly overthrow and change the country’s constitutional system, and establishing and joining an unlawful group to forcibly overthrow the political system in the country (noting that terrorism was one of the group’s means to achieve its objectives), as well as communicating with agents working for the benefit of a foreign country plotting hostile operations against the Kingdom of Bahrain.” “In addition, the defendants were charged with inciting hatred to the constitutional government, inciting others to break the law, spreading false news and rumours, and possessing publications that promoted terrorist acts to overthrow the political system. All of these acts are criminal offences under Bahrain’s laws, most notably the Penal Code and the Law on Protecting Society from Terrorist Acts. “On 22 June, 2011, the court convicted Abduljalil Al-Singace of all the charges against him, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. His subsequent appeal was rejected on 28 September of the same year. “Abduljalil Al-Singace and others further appealed to the Court of Cassation, and at the same time, the Public Prosecution indicated to the Court that it had dropped some of the charges it deemed would interfere with the exercise of freedom of expression. On 30 April, 2012, the Court of Cassation revoked the lower courts’ judgment and referred the case to the Supreme Court of Appeal to re-hear the case. On 4 September, 2012, the court confirmed the previous judgment, a decision the defendants appealed to the Court of Cassation. On 7 January, 2013, the Cassation Court dismissed the substance of the appeal, and the judgment therefore became final. “As for Abduljalil Al-Singace’s health condition, he receives all necessary healthcare and treatment, with medicines given to him regularly, and his health condition is monitored by the Rehabilitation Centre’s medical clinic. “The Kingdom of Bahrain is proud of its human rights record, which clearly shows to every fair observer its keenness to protect human rights based on constitutional and legislative provisions, as well as on its commitment to human rights conventions, which are translated into well-recognised practical safeguards. “Further, no individual or entity faces any criminal charges because of their exercise of a general political, human rights, or social activity. Charges are brought only for specific offences contrary to provisions of Bahrain’s criminal laws, with due process safeguards being followed at all times. “There are no reprisals against any individual or group, and no targeting of human rights defenders. Bahrain’s constitution and laws ensure that everyone is equal before the law, while the Kingdom’s independent and impartial judiciary ensure fair trials and the protection of the rights of any person in the criminal justice system. “Strong, independent, effective and well-known safeguards and oversight agencies are in place to receive and investigate any grievance or alleged shortcomings, with the power to recommend appropriate action, up to and including disciplinary and/or criminal proceedings against any person responsible for human rights violations,” the statement also said.