The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights called on the Bahraini government to review and repeal laws that prevent leaders of political associations from assuming public office. This call comes amid ongoing concerns by the centre regarding what it described as “targeting fundamental freedoms” in Bahrain, particularly in the realm of peaceful political activity.
The centre pointed out that following the dissolution of political associations, a law was enacted prohibiting their members from running for public office, directly impacting the possibility of candidacy for Mr. Abduljalil Yousif, the former president of the Bahraini Association for Human Rights, for board membership.
The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights also affirmed that this measure constitutes a clear violation of the internationally guaranteed right to engage in peaceful collective activities, noting that this is not the first time suspicions have been raised about such restrictions on Bahraini human rights associations, where nominations for board members have been obstructed in the past.
In this context, the centre referred to a previous report by Human Rights Watch, which accused Bahraini authorities of suppressing political opposition through similar laws.
source: lualuatv
