Letter from WLUML to Bahrain Embassy in Lodon

International Solidarity Network


15 October, 2007

Embassy of Bahrain
30 Belgrade Square
London, SW1X 8QB
UK

Subject: Media blockade against Ghada Jamsheer

Your Majesty,

Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) is concerned following reports that Ghada Jamsheer, women’s human rights defender and President of the Women's Petition Committee (WPC), has been banned from the national Bahrain media. The WPC is a network of Bahraini human rights defenders who campaign for the codification of family laws and the reform of Shari’a Family Courts.
WLUML is concerned that the media ban on Ghada Jamsheer is directly related to her legitimate work in the defence of human rights, which is granted to her under the right to freedom of expression and communication, as guaranteed in Article 23 of the Constitution of Bahrain and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
WLUML urges that the following actions be taken by the Bahrain authorities:
1. Immediately and unconditionally lift the media ban imposed on Ghada Jamsheer;
2. Immediately cease 24-hour surveillance of Ghada Jamsheer and all forms of intimidation and harassment;
3. Ensure that all human rights defenders in Bahrain are free to carry out their activities in the promotion and protection of human rights without fear of intimidation or reprisals.
Yours sincerely,

Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML)