Bahrain frees top activist after two years in jail

Nabeel Rajab, the founder of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, was freed on Saturday. He was jailed in 2012 on charges of organizing and taking part in anti-regime demonstrations in Bahrain.

Hundreds of Rajab’s supporters gathered near his house to celebrate his freedom.

Following his release, Rajab said the human rights situation in Bahrain had deteriorated during his term in prison as the Manama regime continues to target activists and human rights advocates.

“I will continue to struggle for democracy and for respect for human rights,” added the Bahraini activist.

UK-based Amnesty International as well as US-based Human Rights First had earlier urged the Bahraini regime to free Rajab.

Last year, the activist appealed to be released after serving three-quarters of his jail sentence, but his request was rejected by the court.

Over the past years, Bahrain’s human rights record has come under scrutiny over its handling of the anti-regime demonstrations across the country.

Since mid-February 2011, thousands of anti-regime protesters have held numerous demonstrations in the streets of Bahrain, calling for the ruling Al Khalifa family to relinquish power.

Scores of people have been killed and hundreds of others injured and arrested in the Manama regime’s ongoing crackdown on peaceful demonstrations.

On Friday, Amnesty International called on Manama to launch a prompt investigation into all cases of torture, ill-treatment and deaths that occurred during protests and in custody.

In a similar statement on May 19, the UK-based rights group voiced concern over the lack of judiciary reform in Bahrain and severe clampdown on anti-regime protesters.

HK