Doctors and Nurses Leaders call for Fair Trial in Bahrain

Doctors’ and nurses’ leaders today called on the Bahraini authorities to ensure a fair trial for the 47 doctors and nurses now facing trial in the country, after they treated injured protesters during the recent political unrest.

The health professionals are due to appear in front of a closed security court again on Monday (June 13) charged with participating in efforts to overthrow the Bahraini monarchy and taking part in illegal rallies.

But in a joint statement today the World Medical Association and the International Council of Nurses said:

‘We call on the authorities in Bahrain to ensure a fair and public trial. It is important that international observers are allowed to attend.

‘Doctors and nurses have an ethical duty to care for patients irrespective of their race, colour, creed and political affiliation. No health professional should be put on trial for looking after injured and dying people. It is essential that medical neutrality is respected throughout the world.

‘The neutrality and independence of health professionals should be respected and should not be a reason to be put on trial.

‘We urge world leaders to take all necessary measures to ensure that health professionals are allowed to carry out their work unhindered.’