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The New Arab: Prominent Activist Nabeel Rajab Waits in "Legal Limbo"

2016-10-08 - 9:30 p

Bahrain Mirror: The New Arab website reported that "Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, who faces 15 years in prison for criticizing Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen must wait three more weeks for the verdict of his trial."

The website also stated that Rajab's son, Adam Rajab tweeted in this regard, "The judge was supposed to sentence my father #NabeelRajab today, but he postponed it until the 31st of October." "My father should be released pending trial, he has been in detention for more than 100 days," Adam further added.

Nabeel Rajab's Twitter posts accused the Bahraini security forces of torturing detainees and killing civilians in the Gulf bloc's military intervention in Yemen, The New Arab added in its report.

Rajab was arrested for the first time on April 2, 2015, and released in July of the same year. However, prosecutors did not close the case and ordered his re-arrest on June 13, 2016.

In his current trial, which was condemned by human rights groups and the US, Rajab faces multiple charges of "insulting a statutory body", "insulting a neighboring country", and "disseminating false rumors in time of war".

Last month, information circulated that Rajab was held in solitary confinement in the East Riffa Police Station. He later required urgent medical care after he was kept 15 days in isolation. His relatives are concerned that his health will decline again.

Rajab's wife, Sumaya Rajab, told freedom of expression campaigners Index on Censorship, "It's been over 100 days since Nabeel was arrested and charged and am very worried about his well-being."

The Index organization said Rajab was held in a "filthy cell". "He has not been given a reason for his transfer, and when he tried to ask a police officer, he was screamed at and insulted," it went on to say.

The international organization further reported, "He has been treated harshly and sent back to a place where he suffered complete isolation in facilities not fit for purpose."

The authorities have denied requests by Rajab and his lawyer to transfer him to a detention center.

The prominent human rights activist was previously placed on a travel ban in 2014 and has been unable to leave the country.

Arabic Version


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