CIVICUS is extremely pleased that Nabeel Rajab was released on bail on 28 May 2012. The prominent Bahraini human rights activist, and friend of CIVICUS, was arrested and detained earlier this month on charges of “inciting illegal rallies" through social media networks and "defaming" Bahrain's security forces.
We remain seriously concerned about the safety of Mr Rajab and other human rights activists in Bahrain who have been repeatedly detained and beaten by security forces. CIVICUS call for all the criminal charges against Nabeel Rajab and other human rights defenders to be dropped.
Whilst in court earlier this month Nabeel Rajab rejected all charges against him. "I only practised my right to free expression," he told the court. "I did not commit a crime."
On 8 May 2012 CIVICUS and 35 organisations and individuals sent an open letter to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa calling for immediate and unconditional release of Nabeel Rajab.
