The S&D Group welcomes the fact that after the adoption of an urgency resolution on Bahrain at the last session of the European Parliament on 9 July, a human rights defender and activist Nabeel Rajab was released by the Bahraini authorities.
S&D MEP and vice president Josef Weidenholzer said:
"We welcome the release of Mr Rajab as an important step towards the national dialogue and reform in Bahrain. We call on the Bahraini authorities to build on this positive precedent and release all others who are in jail solely for exercising their freedom of expression or for their peaceful and legitimate political activities, such as Sheikh Salman, the leader of the main opposition Al-Wefaq party.
"Bahrain is an important partner for the EU in a turbulent region. We support this country's independence and stability. It is our firm belief that the best way to secure both is a genuine, inclusive national dialogue in the spirit of reconciliation, tolerance and respect for different views."
