6 Oct: Join us to tell the UK to help free Bahraini Nabeel Rajab

NEWS

Join Index on Censorship, English Pen and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy for a vigil outside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at 12 pm on Thursday 6 October to mark the trial of Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, who could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. The Index on […]

By Index on Censorship

03 Oct 16

Bahrain | Events | mobile | United Kingdom

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

Nabeel Rajab during a protest in London in September 2014 (Photo: Milana Knezevic)

The Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award-winning Rajab has been subjected to ongoing judicial harassment by Bahrain’s government.

Your support will show the UK government that it must do more to pressure its ally Bahrain to respect freedom of expression and release Rajab unconditionally.

When: Thursday 6 October at 12pm
Where: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AH (Map)

More information about Nabeel Rajab:

Bahrain: Nabeel Rajab put in isolation ahead of 6 October trial

Prince Charles to visit Bahrain: Here are some things he should consider

Who is Nabeel Rajab?

Background

Nabeel Rajab was arrested on 13 June and prosecuted on charges of spreading “false or malicious news, statements, or rumours” during wartime, “offending a foreign country” and “offending a public institution” under articles 133, 215 and 216 of the Penal Code and faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment. His sentencing is due on 6 October 2016. Nabeel has also been banned from travel ban since November 2014.

This is in connection to comments made on Twitter in 2015 documenting allegations of torture at the Central Jau Prison and criticizing the Saudi coalition war in Yemen.

Following the publication a letter by Nabeel to the New York Times, the Public Prosecution Office charged him with “intentionally broadcasting false news and malicious rumours abroad impairing the prestige of the state”. The charge could lead to an additional one-year prison sentence.

FCO Policy on Nabeel and Bahrain

The FCO has expressed “concern” over the re-arrest of Nabeel but has not called for his release.

At the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UK stated it will be continuing its technical assistance to Bahrain and encouraged “constructive and inclusive dialogue.”

The UK’s statements do not reflect the facts on the ground: Bahrain’s human rights situation is worsening. Nabeel‘s charges, all related to his free expression and carrying lengthy prison terms, are a reflection of Bahrain’s failure to reform.