SHAFAQNA– A global network of dozens of independent non-government human rights groups in a statement has condemned the Norwegian government for giving an award to Bahraini prime minister, despite his dismal record of human rights.
The International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) has said that Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received an honorary prize from Norway’s “the 14 August Committee” last month in the presence of the European country’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
The statement adds that this prize has been awarded to a Bahraini personality that represents a regime in Manama that has been engaged in human rights violations for decades. It has also accused the Norwegian government of being fully aware of the abuse, torture and reprisals committed by the Al Khalifa regime against male and female rights defenders, political activists and peaceful protesters.
The statement has reminded the government in Oslo that the prime minister who received this prize in recognition of his efforts to promote regional and global peace, security, tolerance and harmony is the head of a regime that executed two young men only three weeks prior to receiving this award.
The parties of the statement noted that Bahrain’s prime minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa should be held accountable for his blatant disregard for human rights and human life as he has been the face of the regime since 1971.
Nine Norwegian rights organizations and other groups including the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, the World Organization Against Torture and the Gulf Center for Human Rights are among the signatories of this letter.
Source: IFEX
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