It’s a good gesture – EU Parliament calls for release of “innocent” doctors and nurses – EU problematically leaves “innocent” up to al Khaifa to define and other “innocents”, non-medicals, remain in detention?

EU Parliament calls for Bahraini medics release
July 20, 2011 By Aoife Connors

The European Parliament has issued a call for innocent prisoners in Bahrain to be released and for parties to engage in productive dialogue, with a view to conflict resolution.

Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly tabled a motion for resolution at the Parliament on July 7 as concerns increased about Irish-trained doctors awaiting a military trial in Bahrain.

During the debate, the Parliament stated that it strongly condemned the disproportionate use of force by the regime against peaceful demonstrators and deplored the large number of persons killed and wounded.

The Parliament heard that 47 Bahraini doctors and nurses have been accused of “incitement to overthrow the regime by force” and are facing trial by a Bahraini military court, whereas the medical professionals treated all injured people equally, in keeping with the ethical code of their profession.

“The aggressive actions taken by the Bahraini regime against its own people is a clear breach of human rights. The detention of 47 medical professionals, including some Irish-trained doctors, is also extremely worrying,” said Kelly.

“Medics around the world need to be assured of their safety as they try to help the sick or injured during times of conflict. The Parliament has condemned the decision to imprison those doctors and is calling for their release.” …more