Resolution on executions in Kuwait and Bahrain

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on executions in Kuwait and Bahrain.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

Members deeply deplored the decision of Kuwait and Bahrain to return to the practice of capital punishment. They reiterated their condemnation of the use of the death penalty, and strongly supported the introduction of a moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards its abolition.

Member called on the Bahraini authorities to halt the executions of Mohamed Ramadan and Hussein Moosa, and to ensure a retrial in compliance with international standards.

Parliament called on the governments of Kuwait and Bahrain to:

• issue an immediate and open invitation to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to conduct a country visit, and to allow unfettered access to detainees and to all places of detention;
• sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aimed at the abolition of the death penalty;
• comply with international minimum standards, and to reduce the scope and use of the death penalty.

Parliament urged the European External Action Service and the Member States to intervene with the Bahraini Government in order to appeal for the release of Nabeel Rajab and of all those held solely on the basis of their peaceful exercise of freedom of expression and assembly.

Members encouraged dialogue and bilateral and multilateral initiatives between the European Union, its Member States and Gulf countries including Kuwait and Bahrain on issues relating to human rights, as well as in other areas of mutual interest.