The National Democratic Opposition Parties in Bahrain said the series of legislations issued by the Council of Representatives are unprecedented on the international level. They said the legislations contradicted the constitution and National Action Charter, let alone international covenants on freedom and respect of human rights. Members from the opposition parties spoke at a press conference on Monday 23rd June at the headquarters of Al Wefaq National Islamic Society in Manama.
The National Democratic Opposition Parties have followed with serious concern the series of legislations issued by the Council of Representatives. The first of which was the decision to dissolve the Capital Municipal Council. Other oppressive legislations included authorizing the Interior Minister to revoke citizenships of Bahrainis living abroad for 5 consecutive years as a punishment to their political opinions. The Council also voted to ban political prisoners from running for elections and gave wide authorizations to the Justice Minister to tighten on political associations and dissolve them with a ministerial decision. The MPs also issued a new legislation that requires a higher percentage of votes to question ministers.
The opposition parties said the recently issued arbitrary legislations and decisions illustrate an entrenched methodology to block all doors to an inclusive political solution.
If these legislations are actually executed, this will lead to further setback in the political and security situation given the fact that it is based on the desire to exclude dissent.
The National Democratic Opposition Parties call on the King of Bahrain to disapprove these legislations through his constitutional powers and to dismiss them as part of a political solution to exit the political crisis.
The opposition parties have previously presented a number of initiatives to resolve the crisis and therefore the regime is required to respond by building trust. The opposition believes in genuine negotiations as a path to democratic transition and equality for all Bahrainis. By continuing the repression of the democratic movement, and in the shadow of the tensions and polarization in the region, the ongoing violations are threatening civil peace in the country.
The Bahraini regime is yet to live up to its pledges to implement the recommendations of the Bassiouni report and the UN’s Universal Periodic Review. This is essential for a roadmap to solution that begins by ending the security solution. the Authority must release all political prisoners and stop the retaliative trials against dissidents and engage in genuine bilateral negotiations with a clear agenda to reach an inclusive solution.
Finally, the National Democratic Opposition Parties, praise the States that called on Bahrain to respect human rights through the statement that was signed by 47 member states in the Human Rights Council. The opposition also praises international human rights organizations and international community agencies who stand by the people of Bahrain.
Manama- 23rd June 2014
National Democratic Opposition Parties
Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society (AlWefaq)
National Democratic Action Society (Waad)
The National Progressive Tribune Society (Taqadomi)
National Democratic Gathering Society (AlQawmi)
Ekhaa National Society (Ekhaa)
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