Bahrain must immediately release and drop all charges against Nabeel Rajab

NEWS

Index on Censorship remains deeply concerned about the treatment of human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, whose detention was extended by another eight days. He has been held since 13 June.

By Index on Censorship

21 Jun 16

Bahrain | Bahrain Statements | Campaigns | Campaigns -- Featured | Statements

Nabeel Rajab during a protest in London in September (Photo: Milana Knezevic / Index on Censorship)

Nabeel Rajab during a protest in London in September 2015 (Photo: Milana Knezevic)

Index on Censorship remains deeply concerned about the treatment of human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, whose detention was extended on Tuesday 21 June by another eight days. He has been held since 13 June.

“Bahrain’s treatment of Nabeel is reprehensible. It must end its harassment. Bahraini authorities must immediately release and drop all charges against Nabeel. We call on the UK and US to press for his release,” Jodie Ginsberg, CEO, Index on Censorship said.

A former Index Freedom of Expression Award-winner and a member of the judging panel at the 2016 Awards, Rajab has been subjected to ongoing judicial harassment to silence his human rights work.

Arrested at his home, Rajab was charged the next day on Tuesday 14 June with “publishing and broadcasting false news that undermines the prestige of the state” and detained for seven days.