US expresses concern about execution of 3 Bahrainis based on confessions extracted under torture

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - The United States expressed its concerns about the Bahraini authorities' execution of 3 detainees. The US State Department said that their confessions were extracted under torture, however, it did not condemn the execution.

In a press conference held by the State Department on Tuesday (January 17, 2017), John Kirby said "we've seen the Bahraini Government's announcement that it executed three people. Violent attacks against the police, such as the one that took the lives of the three officers in this case originally are reprehensible, of course, and deserve condemnation."

"We've also seen allegations that the individuals facing execution were victims of torture, and that the evidence used against them in court was extracted, in part, through coerced confessions," he added.

He further stated "we're concerned that these executions occurred at a time of elevated tensions in Bahrain. We continue to call on all parties to show restraint and to contribute to a climate that is conducive for dialogue and reconciliation."

Kirby called on the Government of Bahrain "to return urgently to the path of reconciliation, and to work collectively to address the aspirations of all Bahrainis. This, we believe, is the best way to marginalize those who support violence and bring greater security and stability to the region."

Answering a question on whether US concern was because the executions took place at a moment of tension in Bahrain, Kirby said "US has expressed concerns about these executions and the information in which we have about the way these individuals were detained and were coerced into confessions. And we have raised those concerns repeatedly with the Bahraini Government. We're certainly also concerned about the context in which they took place."





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