Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): No Peace Without Justice (NPWJ) condemned "the astonishing increase in the sentence of the leader of the main Bahraini opposition party, Sheikh Ali Salman to nine years," expressing its undiminished solidarity and support for Salman, who "has consistently called for peaceful protest, condemned all forms of violence - including during the speech that formed the basis of his trial - and advocated for a fair and just democratic political system in Bahrain through the establishment of a genuine constitutional monarchy."

The organization added in its statement on Monday (May 30, 2016): "Today's shocking ruling, grounded on purely politically-motivated charges, clearly demonstrates Bahraini authorities' unabated determination to criminalise free speech and suppress any peaceful dissent."

Niccolò Figà-Talamanca, Secretary-General of No Peace Without Justice, said that "it also further confirms the fallacy of the Bahraini regime's claims to advance democratic reform, rule of law and respect of human rights in the country."

"This is also a highly dangerous move that can only set the country further along the dangerous path of political turmoil and disunity. In the face of what is rapidly becoming the realisation of the worst possible scenario for Bahrain, the response of the international community cannot continue to be weak and deaf to the plight of Bahraini citizens. So far, the Bahraini authorities have used this approach as a green light to persevere in their repressive and retaliatory practices against peaceful opposition leaders and human rights advocates," he further stated.

NPWJ urged the international community and the European Union (EU) to take immediate action and unequivocally condemn this latest blow to freedom of expression in Bahrain.

Failure to do so is, in reality, siding with tyranny and repression.

The organization further noted that "a truly democratic transition in Bahrain will be achieved only if all those who are committed to peaceful and nonviolent dialogue are able to contribute fully to the political process without fear of reprisals."

At the end of its statement, No Peace Without Justice demanded the international community "to support this process rather than turning a blind eye to another move clearly designed to thwart democracy and human rights".

Arabic Version