Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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597. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Bahraini Government revoked the nationality of a person (details supplied) on 20 June 2016; and if he will raise the case with his Bahraini counterpart. [13516/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the decision by the Bahraini authorities to revoke the citizenship of this person last June. In addition to revoking his citizenship, this person was tried on a number of grounds. Judgment was due to be handed down on 14 March, but latest reports are that a verdict will now be delivered in May.

Officials from my Department met this month with an official from the Bahraini Embassy in London to discuss human rights in Bahrain, including the issue of revocation of citizenship.

The right to a nationality is a fundamental human right. I am aware that, since 2014, Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of over 250 people. This is a worrying development, in particular in light of other recent moves in Bahrain to restrict freedom of expression, such as the dissolution of Al Wefaq, the largest opposition political grouping. I call on Bahrain to fully respect its international human rights obligations.

Actions like these increase sectarian divides, and only serve to stall Bahrain’s path towards national reconciliation. The decision to revoke the citizenship of this person, and to put him on trial, has already triggered protests and demonstrations. Preventing people from expressing their views does not quash people’s grievances; it only reinforces them. I call on the protesters and the Bahraini authorities alike to exercise restraint, for the protesters to express their views peacefully and for the authorities to permit them to do this.

The decision to revoke this person’s citizenship also risks increasing regional tensions. I call on all leaders in the region, political and religious, to avoid actions and statements that would further increase these tensions. I urge Bahrain to recommit to an inclusive, peaceful and open dialogue for national reconciliation that will serve the interests of all Bahrainis, regardless of religious beliefs or political preferences.

I stand with our EU partners in continuing to support Bahrain, in promoting further reforms aimed at strengthening human rights and the rule of law in a context free of violence and where freedom of expression is respected.