The Secretary-General is concerned by the harsh sentences, including life imprisonment, upheld by a Bahrain appeals court against twenty Bahraini political activists.   He urges the Bahraini authorities to allow all defendants to exercise their right to appeal and to ensure that due process is observed. 

The Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to the Bahraini authorities to ensure the application of international human rights norms, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.  The Secretary-General takes this opportunity to again call on the Bahraini Government to complete the full implementation of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations.   He reaffirms his belief that there needs to be an all-inclusive and meaningful national dialogue that addresses the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis, as this is the only way to promote peace, stability and justice in the country.