[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1212-S1213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                BAHRAIN

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, 9 years ago this month, citizens of Bahrain 
took up banners to demand a greater role in their society and political 
process.
  Bahrain's ruling monarchy cracked down on the peaceful protestors; 
State police and security forces arrested hundreds and killed more than 
a dozen, according to press reports at the time. Bahrain's leaders 
promised accountability and reforms in response to international 
condemnation, but they would implement hardly any of them, and they 
rolled back some of the few they did implement.
  Indeed, the situation in Bahrain has only grown worse. Americans for 
Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain wrote last year that ``since 
2017, the government has intensified the repression through the arrest, 
detention, and conviction of individuals who draw attention to the 
kingdom's human rights record or criticise the government.''
  Last month, Human Rights Watch wrote, ``Bahrain's human rights record 
worsened in 2019, as the government carried out executions, convicted 
critics for peaceful expression, and threatened social media 
activists.''
  It gives me no great pleasure to point out the monarchy's increasing 
repression. I have no personal animosity toward Bahrain, which remains 
an important U.S. ally.
  But the U.S. Government has a duty--an obligation--to be honest with 
friends and allies and to hold them to a high standard. I regret to say 
that the Obama administration did not do nearly enough to hold Bahrain 
to that high standard, as I repeatedly came to this floor to discuss. 
The Trump administration has, for its part, been even more callously 
indifferent to the regime's abuses, despite Secretary of State Mike 
Pompeo speaking many times about the importance of human rights.

[[Page S1213]]

  Just last year, Secretary Pompeo said America can effect change 
``[b]y articulating abuses and pressuring noncompliant regimes.''
  I agree.
  So where is Secretary Pompeo when it comes to articulating Bahrain's 
abuses and pressuring Bahrain's rulers to do better? The Secretary, 
like his boss, is missing in action.
  I urge my colleagues to take a hard look at Bahrain's human rights 
record, to talk with victims of the regime and hear their stories of 
persecution.
  As I do every year, I renew my call on Bahrain's rulers to change 
course and open space for dialogue, for free thought, and for peaceful 
expression and protest.

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