Bahrain has launched a staunch defence of its human rights record after the US government included the country in a list of blacklisted nations.

It was rated alongside brutal regimes such as Iran, North Korea, Syria and Zimbabwe in a list submitted to the UN Human Rights Council for scrutiny.

It happened on the same day Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour assistant secretary of state Michael Posner welcomed 'positive developments' in Bahrain.

He praised the release of detainees, the restoration of scholarships and reinstatement of workers who were wrongfully dismissed during a Press conference at the US Embassy in Zinj.

'We regret the US administration's rush to judgment on allegations that have yet to be proven in courts of law,' said the Social Development Ministry.

'The Human Rights Office is surprised that the statement should have been issued so shortly after a fruitful visit to the US by senior Bahraini officials, during which they underlined to the administration Bahrain's determination to maintain and protect human rights and outlined the moves currently underway to investigate and remedy any shortcomings or lapses in this regard.

Productive

'Moreover, the statement coincided with a visit to Bahrain by Michael Posner during which these productive discussions were continued.'

The ministry said Bahrain's inclusion in the blacklist failed to recognise its co-operative stance, as demonstrated by its invitation to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to send an inspection team to Bahrain.

'The office therefore regrets that, in both its timing and content, Ambassador Donahoe's statement did not properly account for or reflect these issues,' it said.

The statement said Bahrain was forced to introduce a State of National Safety, which ended on June 1, to protect its citizens.

Anti-government protesters earlier hijacked control of the Salmaniya Medical Complex, blocked roads, set up illegal checkpoints and attacked Asian expatriates, killing four and injuring hundreds of others.

'Regrettably, the protests in Bahrain turned violent, threatening the safety, lives, property and livelihoods of citizens and residents from all parts of society and seeking to undermine the rule of law,' it said.

'In such circumstances, all Bahrainis are entitled to look to their government for lawful protection from such serious and immediate threats to their most fundamental rights.

'Bahrain has a strong commitment to maintain the rights of all people and takes allegations of violations extremely seriously.' – TradeArabia News Service