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<p>We are following Mr Rajab’s case closely. Our Ambassador in Bahrain has raised
the case with the Government of Bahrain and encouraged the Bahraini authorities to
ensure due process is followed and international norms of justice are upheld. The
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon.
Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Tobias Ellwood), also raised the case with
the Bahrain Ambassador on 9 March. Our officials attended Mr Rajab’s court appearance
on 4 March to underline the UK’s interest in the case. The final hearing will be on
15 March.</p><p>The UK regularly discusses issues of reform with the Government of
Bahrain. I met Under Secretary Abdullah Abdullatif Abdullah on 2 March in Geneva where
I stressed the importance of Bahrain accepting a technical assistance package with
the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We also discussed Sheikh Ali
Salman's case and the need for him to receive a fair trial. Our Ambassador in Bahrain
has raised our concerns over allegations of torture and mistreatment with Bahraini
ministers. In addition to voicing these concerns, the UK is providing practical assistance
to the Government of Bahrain to prevent the use of torture and mistreatment, and to
improve the accountability of the security forces.</p>
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