What follows is an approximate transcription of the interview.
Press TV: This is one of the rare occasions a major international rights group has criticized Bahraini authorities for their disproportionate use of force and torture against anti-regime protests. Why do you think such organizations usually remain silent about, or are slow in reacting to the regime crackdown on dissent?
Mikhail: Because it depends on the drama of the situation. Bahrain has been seeing many waves of protests so it has become a routine, regular occurrence. But if there is a new development, but if there is a real death, if there is something that requires investigation Amnesty International becomes more involved, makes its case more public, becomes more vocal in its opposition.
This is one good thing because it means that they are monitoring the situation. They are not silent. Yes, they could be selective. But at least, if there are a number of cases, that required their attention, that’s useful because overall it means that they are scrutinizing the situation and they publicize about a number of cases and there should be a response from the government of Bahrain, there should be an investigation. I think this is a very legitimate demand.
Press TV: Amnesty has called on Manama to investigate and announce the results of its probe into the killings and torture practices against protesters. How much of an effect do you think this will have in pressuring the regime to put an end to its suppression of dissent?
Mikhail: This is a good question because it requires basically a response from the government of Bahrain. The pressure, if it is directed at a specific case it could really solicit a response. Instead of just speaking in general terms about human rights violations, it would be better for Amnesty International to highlight specific cases and give the government of Bahrain a time frame, "How soon will we hear from you?"
I believe it could be a very useful way to solicit a response from the government of Bahrain. I think also the European Union should start talking candidly with the government of Bahrain about these tough responses, these violent responses or as the American phrase goes to over-respond or over-react to the protesters.
I detect here that definitely there is a degree of overreaction on the part of the security forces and I do not think that the United States is interested to talk about Bahrain. If the European Union can bring to the fore this issue, I think that could be real pressure and demand response from the government of Bahrain.
