Bahrain Mirror: Amnesty International considered that "Ebrahim Sharif's trial and sentencing is simply the latest development in the Bahraini authorities' sustained repression against their own citizens." It said that Bahrainis are being made to pay a hefty price for simply expressing their views.

Amnesty International's Middle East Research Director Lynn Maalouf issued this statement after the news that a Bahraini court has convicted and sentenced the Bahraini opposition leader Ebrahim Sharif to six months in prison for a tweet criticizing Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.

"The silence of Bahrain's key allies, namely the USA and the UK, plays no small part in the unchecked pattern of repression. The international community must use its influence in sending a clear message to the Bahraini authorities that such practices cannot be tolerated," she added.

Maalouf stressed that "the Bahraini authorities must quash the conviction and sentence for Ebrahim Sharif and other peaceful critics. The authorities must respect the rights of all Bahrainis to freely express their views."

Arabic Version