Repeated arrest of human rights defender in Bahrain

Who we wrote to

The king of Bahran, His Majesty Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

What’s the issue

Nabeel Rajab, a prominent human rights activist and opposition leader, has been arrested again.

Mr Rajab has been subject to repeated and unjustified detention.

We understand that Mr Rajab has been subject to a travel ban since his last release from detention in July 2015, apparently in retaliation for comments he made on social media.

It’s our understanding that Mr Rajab was arrested at home on 13 June 2016. His phone and computer were confiscated, and he was taken to East Rifa police station to be detained.

We’ve been informed that Mr Rajab was taken to the Public Prosecution office on 14 June 2016, where he was charged with “spreading false information and rumours with the aim of discrediting the state”.

Mr Rajab’s detention has been extended and he remains in solitary confinement. If he’s convicted of the charges against him, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

What we asked for

We urged the Bahraini authorities to:

• arrange for Mr Rajab’s release without delay and to lift his travel ban
• end Mr Rajab’s solitary confinement if he’s not released immediately and make sure that he’s held in humane conditions with access to medical treatment

Timeline

July 2015 – Mr Rajab was pardoned and released from detention, before being subjected to a travel ban

June 2016 – Mr Rajab was arrested and detained in solitary confinement. His phone and computer were confiscated