Urgent Action update: Expected verdict for human rights defender

On 31 December Bahrain’s Cassation Court was expected to issue its verdict in the case of prominent human rights defender and prisoner of conscience, Nabeel Rajab. He was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison in June 2018 in relation to peaceful tweets about the conflict in Yemen and torture allegations in Jaw prison.

Take action.

Please write immediately in Arabic, English or your own language:

• Calling on the Bahraini authorities to release Nabeel Rajab immediately and unconditionally, to quash his convictions and sentences, as he is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression;
• Pending his release, ensure that Nabeel Rajab is not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment; has regular access to his family, lawyers of his choice, and adequate healthcare;
• Urging them to uphold the right to freedom of expression and repeal laws that criminalize the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly, including Article 216 of the Penal Code.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 24 JANUARY 2019 TO:

King

Shaikh Hamad bin ‘Issa Al Khalifa         

Office of His Majesty the King

P.O. Box 555

Rifa’a Palace, al-Manama, Bahrain

Fax: +973 1766 4587

Salutation: Your Majesty

Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs

Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa

Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs

P. O. Box 450, al-Manama, Bahrain

Fax: +973 1753 1284

E-form: http://www.moj.gov.bh/en/

Twitter: @Khaled_Bin_Ali

Salutation: Your Excellency

And copies to:

Minister of Interior

Shaikh Rashid bin ‘Abdullah Al Khalifa

Ministry of Interior

P.O. Box 13, al-Manama, Bahrain

Fax: +973 1723 2661

Twitter: @moi_Bahrain

Salutation: Your Excellency

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.

His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 30 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8QB, Tel: 0207 201 9170, Fax 020 7201 9183, Email: information@bahrainembassy.co.uk or through the online contact form at http://www.bahrainembassy.co.uk/ Salutation: Your Excellency

Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.