The decision by the High Appeal Court of Bahrain of 26 October to uphold the Appeal Court ruling to dissolve the National Democratic Action Society (Waad) contravenes provisions on the freedoms of speech and association as enshrined in the Constitution of Bahrain and therefore risks further polarising Bahrain's society.

The European Union has repeatedly expressed this position to the authorities in Manama, who have a duty to ensure that citizens of Bahrain retain their ability to create and participate in political parties, in full respect of their political and civil rights. The European Union remains committed to supporting democracy in the country.