THE Scottish Tories have sought "cast-iron guarantees" from ministers about a deal between an exams watchdog and a Middle East regime accused of brutally crushing opponents.
It follows reports the Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA) has been involved in lucrative contracts with a firm which advises the authoritarian government in Bahrain.
Conservative education spokesman Liz Smith said: "When the Bahrain Government has been accused of abusing human rights, including those of young children, questions will be asked as to whether this was the most appropriate action on the part of SQA."
The SQA was reported to have signed a deal with Bahrain to help develop its education sector in 2010, shortly before a pro-democracy uprising was brutally crushed, as well as another contract last March.
Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds hurt or locked up in Bahrain since February 2011.
Amnesty International in Scotland warned the political situation in the country had to be taken into account before commercial contracts were signed.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Ministers were not informed of this SQA deal last March.
"Ministers do, however, appreciate SQA undertakes a range of commercial activity in a number of countries. The Scottish Government supports the view of the UK Government that Bahrain should look to progress on the democratic track and we urge all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue.
"The Scottish Government remains concerned about reports of violence and human rights abuses in Bahrain."
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