Statement by the Spokesperson on the life sentencing of opposition leaders in Bahrain

The Supreme Court of Cassation of Bahrain has today sentenced Sheikh Ali Salman, Secretary General of the dissolved Al Wefaq political society, and senior Al Wefaq members Sheikh Hassan Sultan and Ali Aswad to life imprisonment. The Supreme Court upheld the life sentences handed down by the Appeals Court of Bahrain in November 2018.
 
Today's final verdict marks a further step against dissenting voices and undermines the residual chances for an inclusive political dialogue in the  Kingdom of Bahrain.
 
The European Union has followed these cases closely and has on several times since 2014 publicly expressed its concerns over the increasingly limited political space in Bahrain including for non-violent opposition.
 
The European Union expects Bahrain to fulfill its international and national Human Rights obligations, including guaranteeing the right to a fair trial, in the interest of the long term stability of the country and its citizens.