ADHRB Weekly Newsletter 53

24 May 2014, prominent Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab was released from prison. Rajab spent more than two years behind bars on political motivated charges, including “organizing illegal gatherings” and criticizing the Bahraini government on social media.

Following his release, Rajab, head of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, called for a “genuine dialogue between the ruling family and the representatives of the people, and their Bahraini opposition.”

United States Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) released a statement regarding the release of Rajab. “I hope that the government of Bahrain will ensure that Mr. Rajab can travel freely and safely, both within the country and internationally, and that he will be allowed to continue his peaceful human rights work unimpeded,” Representative McGovern said.