Bahrain: Five executed and eight at imminent risk of execution

On the 17th “World Day Against the Death Penalty”, SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR) calls on the government of Bahrain to commute all death sentences. These sentences followed trials that did not comply with fair trial guarantees, and in which allegations of torture against those sentenced were not investigated, making their confessions legally invalid. As such, we call for their re-trial in accordance with international law and fair trial standards.

SALAM DHR notes that Bahrain is among 56 countries that retain the death penalty. This punishment is stipulated by Bahrain’s Penal Code; there are 83 articles and clauses stipulating the death penalty. From 2011 to 2019, 36 death sentences were issued, and there have been five executions: Ali al-Arab and Ahmed al-Malali were executed by firing squad on 6 May 2019, and on 15 January 2017 Sami Mushaima, Abbas al-Sameea, Ali al-Singace were executed. In addition to this, two death sentences have been reconsidered, ten were changed to life imprisonment, and three were passed onto to the Court of Cassation (final court). Eight are currently at imminent risk of execution, pending ratification by the King.

SALAM DHR considers the Bahraini judiciary not to have the independence and impartiality required for a fair judiciary, and is in need of significant reform. We call on the government of Bahrain to establish a moratorium on the death penalty, sign, ratify and accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with a view towards abolishing the death penalty.

Salam Organization for Democracy and Human Rights
10 October 2019

‘Table attached: list of death penalty in political cases’