From: Prof. Muiris FitzGerald
Sent: 30 September 2011 12:23
To: lettersed@irishtimes.com
Subject: Brutal Sentencing of Irish-trained Medics
Sent: 30 September 2011 12:23
To: lettersed@irishtimes.com
Subject: Brutal Sentencing of Irish-trained Medics
Fifteen
years in jail is the extraordinarily brutal sentence meted out by a special
military court in Bahrain to medics (surgeons, nurse and paramedics) -several
of whom trained in Ireland and worked for years in Irish hospitals.
Every Human
Rights organisation world-wide has unequivocally condemned these sentences as
outrageous and unprecedented and an attack on the fundamental ethics of
healthcare. They have also
pointed out
the total lack of due process involved in what can only be described as a
travesty of the justice system, involving what the same Human Rights
groups have judged to be manufactured trumped –up charges. Even before
sentencing, during their incarceration over several months, there
is
compelling
evidence from the medics involved and their families that they endured repeated
brutalities, including blindfolding and beatings as well as many
other forms threatening, degrading and humiliating treatment. Many
went on hunger strike as their only remaining form of protest in the face of
what was essentially torture.
Now that
the vengefulness of the Bahraini regime is evident for all the world to witness
, it is morally incumbent on Irish citizens-and particularly anyone involved in
healthcare- to add their voices to the increasing international
clamour to secure the reversal of these sentences.
It is
particularly important that all medical, nursing and paramedical professional
organisations in Ireland declare in the most vigorous manner that they abhor
the actions of the Bahraini regime, and enjoin with their international
colleagues in condemning this victimisation of healthcare professionals who
were doing their duty in treating the victims of civil strife. It would be
shameful if we merely ‘’note the sentences’.’ as the Royal College of Surgeons
of Ireland so disappointingly did in their current press release when
commenting on the savage sentences inflicted on their own surgical
graduates, who looked to them for help. But more than robust statements may be needed.
Every other legitimate form of pressure must be exerted nationally and
internationally to protest against a barbarous precedent that, in reality,
constitutes an attack on all healthcare professionals trying to do their duty.
Professor
MX FitzGerald
Blackrock
Co Dublin
