Ahead of 31 October trial, NGOs and MEPs issue video messages in solidarity with Nabeel Rajab

On 31 October 2016, a Bahraini court will hold another hearing for the case of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab. After a series of postponed trials, the court may issue a verdict on Rajab’s case, potentially sentencing him to fifteen years in prison. Rajab faces charges that are solely related to his exercise of freedom[…]

Bahraini Opposition Activist Fadhel Abbas Sentenced to Three Years in Prison on Appeal

27 October 2016 – The Government of Bahrain yesterday decreased the sentence of Fadhel Abbas, former Secretary-General of the al-Wahdawi Political Society. Courts originally sentenced Abbas to five years in prison, following a June 2015 conviction on charges violating Abbas’ right to free expression. However, following his appeal, a court has now reduced Abbas’ sentence[…]

UAE Supreme Court Postpones the Trial of Academic Nasser Bin Ghaith

On 17 October, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government postponed the trial of academic Dr. Nasser Bin Ghaith for the seventh consecutive time. Bin Ghaith’s trial will resume on 14 November 2016 when the defense team will present before the State Security Chamber of the Supreme Court. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain[…]

#Tried4Tweets: @FadhelAbbasMahd – Fadhel Abbas

In efforts to dispel any criticism towards the Saudi-led coalition’s actions in Yemen, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) warned in 2015 that it would take steps against anyone expressing opinions “against the approach that Bahrain has taken.” Bahraini authorities acted on the warning when they arrested and imprisoned political leader Fadhel Abbas for posting on[…]

Omani courts issue verdicts violating free speech

In August, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) covered the initial arrest of three Azamn newspaper journalists and the paper’s suspension in Oman. The crimes were related to a report Azamn published on 26 July 2016 that criticized Oman’s judicial system. Two days after the report’s release, Omani authorities arrested the founder[…]