Shia Rights Watch appreciates and acknowledges the smart and right decision of the Ann Clwyd. Ann Clwyd, a Labor MP sitting on the Committee for Foreign Affairs refused a Christmas present from Alice Samaan, Bahrain ambassador to the UK. Clwydsits on committee conducting an inquiry into human rights abuses in Bahrain. She sent the present back to the store and sent a letter to the embassy explaining her reason for not accepting the present.
She commented that she could not overlook the human rights violations, such as tortures imprisonments and widespread oppression, in Bahrain and cannot accept this present.
Shia Rights Watch appreciates her decision and believes that her honest and correct decision should be an example for others how are on the same committee or similar committees.
Similar gifts have kept many authorities and media outlets quiet regarding the human rights violations in Bahrain. We hope those authorities and media outlets rethink and make better decisions as Anne Clwyd did.
“The Guardian” revealed that Samaan sent similar gifts to about 10 other members of the British Parliament.” Apparently other members decided to keep the gifts.
S.R.W Thanks Ann Clwyd on behalf of all oppressed Shia around the world. May she become a role model for others.
We have also emailed Ms Ann Clwyd and thanked her for her brave action.
