Will Bahrain’s King Stop Imprisoning Peaceful Critics?

Nabeel Rajab

Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab repeatedly has been targeted and abused by the authorities for his peaceful activism.

Update: Nabeel Rajab was found guilty today August 16, of taking part in an “illegal gathering” among other charges in relation to a protest in the capital this past February.

Just this afternoon, 19 Members of Congress sent a letter urging Bahrain’s King Shaikh Hamad bin ‘Issa Al Khalifa to release Nabeel Rajab, a man imprisoned for a tweet.

Nabeel is one of the “Bahrain 14” – 14 political activists sentenced to everything from three months to life in prison simply for engaging in nonviolent speech, expression, or association. Seven of the 14 have been given unbelievable life sentences in prison for their activism.

The letter was organized by the Office of Congressman Keith Ellison and includes the signatures of prominent US Senators Patrick Leahy and Ron Wyden.

It is also backed by Rep. James McGovern, Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

This is a big week for Bahrain.  On Sunday, a Bahraini appeals court will issue its verdict on Nabeel Rajab’s case.  He has already been sentenced to three months in prison.  On Tuesday, the remaining 13 Bahraini activists will hear the final verdicts in their appeals.

The Government of Bahrain needs to know that the world is watching.  You can help by sharing the letter to Bahrain’s King via Facebook or by Twitter.

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3 thoughts on “Will Bahrain’s King Stop Imprisoning Peaceful Critics?

  1. These 19 magnificent & honorable congressmen have restored confidence that statue of Liberty stands truely as evidence of great American declarations of independence & it's beliefes for freedom to be protected everywhere. Your stands are direct transulation of the say"Injustice anywhere is threat to Justice everywhere".My nation is small & living inn tiny islands, but the spirits & passion for freedom is as much desired as American people spirits & passion.Let there be stong tie of FREEDOM that bound our two nations.When our heros are out of Jail & attain freedom, we would always regard American people as a true friend & society deserve to be kept as pioneer in promotion of democracy.

  2. AI I have made a similar complaint before : action via Facebook or Twitter is not accurate for many! What is wrong with the old fashioned way? Both Facebook and Twitter are being tracked besides Facebook being considered illegal in some countries. You should let all action simply pass through yout own channel

  3. In prison because of a Tweet. I can't believe this is the world we live in. I'm sure there are hundreds of people locked up for stupid reasons like this.

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