Cameron raises Bahrain ‘concerns’

Prince Salman declined the invitation to Prince William’s wedding in April

David Cameron is expected to raise Bahrain’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests, when he meets the country’s crown prince later.

Prince Salman bin Hammed Al Khalif’s visit comes after he turned down an invitation to the royal wedding.

Revolts in the Middle East and north Africa, the stalled mid-east peace process and the situation in Bahrain are also expected to be discussed.

The prince’s visit has been criticised by human rights campaigners.

Following the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, there were protests in Bahrain demanding greater freedom and rights, with some even calling for the overthrow of the monarchy.

Bahrain’s government was widely condemned for imposing a state of martial law and inviting troops from neighbouring Saudi Arabia to help put down protests against the ruling al-Khalifa dynasty.

State of emergency

Prince Salman’s visit to London comes less than a month after he chose not to attend the wedding of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.

He had said he did not want his country’s unrest to “overshadow” the celebrations.

On 1 June the Gulf state is due to lift the state of emergency that was imposed in March following weeks of pro-democracy protests which resulted in the deaths of at least 29 people.

Hundreds of people have been arrested and dozens put on trial in special courts.

Ahead of the meeting, a Downing Street spokesman said Mr Cameron welcomed the chance to meet the prince to discuss developments in the Middle East.

He said: “We said all along that the situation in different countries is different.

“There are different circumstances and we need to reflect that. Clearly, in all cases we would support reform and dialogue.”

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said it was “a huge error of judgement” on the part of Mr Cameron to invite the crown prince to No 10.

He added: “Britain should not be conducting business as usual with a tyranny that is guilty of gross human rights abuses.

“David Cameron should press the Bahraini authorities to lift the state of emergency immediately, halt the use of torture and release all political prisoners. Saudi Arabia and the UAE should be urged to withdraw their troops.”

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