Hugh Robertson knows and cares so little that his response to Mohamed Abdulla Al Tajer’s case was to speak about his uncle, Mohamed Tajer. Such ignorance is unforgivable when young men are being tortured and detained. Hugh knows there’s no DUE PROCESS in Bahrain courts, but continues to mouth platitudes. Please ask questions on MAT again, pointing out that he’s being targetted because of his uncle’s human rights work. We want a proper, informed response.

Why would we be asking about MT Senior when he got out 2 years ago? Regards, Janet P.S. I don’t remember Hugh or the Government offering any help when Attorney Tajer was targeted again in late 2013.

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Bahraini government calling for the release of Hussain Hubail on health grounds.

Hugh Robertson: We are aware of the case of Hussain Hubail. We understand he was detained in connection with charges related to protests on 14 August last year and that the verdict for his case is due to be issued later this month. We expect the Government of Bahrain to meet all of its human rights obligations, and to ensure that all detainees have access to appropriate medical care.

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on (a) the trial in Bahrain of Mohammed Abdulla Al-Tajer and (b) his treatment in custody.

Hugh Robertson: We are aware of the case of Mohammad Al-Tajer. We understand he spent four months in detention in 2011 before his case was moved from the National State Safety Court to the civilian courts, as recommended by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, where he was sentenced to one month in prison. We understand that he appealed the verdict and was acquitted by the High Appeal Civilian court. We continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to meet all of its human rights obligations, and adhere to international standards.

Key Points in Mohamed Abdulla Tajer’s case – next court session: 23rd April 2014.

Mohamed was charged with attacking a policeman when defending ladies. 2 men duly appeared and identified him and the other young men.

– His uncle is Mohamed Tajer, the human rights lawyer.

– He has been tortured and forced to sign an unseen confession.

– He suffers from hemorrhoids and needs an operation which is refused.

– He has been detained for 9 months with no access to a lawyer

Hugh Robertson’s comments about the Bahrain Government meeting their human rights obligations and providing medical care for detainees are farcical. He should look at the BICI Report, Amnesty and Human Rights Watch for some facts.