The High Court in London has ruled that Prince Nasser of Bahrain is not immune from prosecution over claims of torture.
The ruling is expected to see Scotland Yard be asked to investigate allegations that the Bahraini prince was involved in torture, during the country's pro-democracy protests in 2011.
The decision by the High Court overturns a previous director of public prosecutions (DPP) ruling that the prince had state immunity from prosecution. The latest ruling came after a case filed by a Bahraini citizen who was arrested during the protests, identified as FF, sought the arrest of the prince, whilst he was on a visit to the UK.
Speaking on the latest ruling, FF said, “Now the prince has lost his immunity, he will need to consider the risk of investigation, arrest and prosecution when he is travelling outside Bahrain.”
"It is time for the British Government to review its policy of co-operation and support for this regime."
FF's barrister, Tom Hickman added,
The ruling is expected to see Scotland Yard be asked to investigate allegations that the Bahraini prince was involved in torture, during the country's pro-democracy protests in 2011.
The decision by the High Court overturns a previous director of public prosecutions (DPP) ruling that the prince had state immunity from prosecution. The latest ruling came after a case filed by a Bahraini citizen who was arrested during the protests, identified as FF, sought the arrest of the prince, whilst he was on a visit to the UK.
Speaking on the latest ruling, FF said, “Now the prince has lost his immunity, he will need to consider the risk of investigation, arrest and prosecution when he is travelling outside Bahrain.”
"It is time for the British Government to review its policy of co-operation and support for this regime."
FF's barrister, Tom Hickman added,
“This clears the way for an investigation of the prince and for consent for an arrest warrant to be sought... Further evidence will be submitted to the police in due course.”Sue Willman, a solicitor at Deighton Pierce Glynn who represents FF, also added,
“The UK has a duty under the UN convention against torture and under its own laws to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who are alleged to have committed acts of torture abroad. They should be applied to all, regardless of the UK’s economic interests for this regime.”Commenting on the ruling, Clive Coleman, BBC legal affairs correspondent, said,
"Under the UN Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment 1987, states must criminalise torture and pursue public officials of other nations when they are present in the state's territory.Meanwhile the government of Bahrain dismissed all claims that the prince was involved in torture, stating,
In other words, states are justified in prosecuting torture wherever it takes place because the offenders are - as was said in one well-known case - "common enemies of all mankind and all nations have an equal interest in their apprehension and prosecution"."
“This has been an ill-targeted, politically motivated and opportunistic attempt to misuse the British legal system.”