In a Travesty of Justice Nabeel Rajab is Sentenced to 3 Years

Nabeel Rajab, a man I respect and admire very much, who is a symbol and hero to many Bahrainis was dealt an unexpectedly large sentence today – 3 years in prison- for attending and instigating illegal gatherings. Rajab, who is already serving a three-month sentence for posting anti-government comments on Twitter, was in court for the verdict. He is president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights.

Bahrain has experienced near daily protests since February 2011 following an uprising by the kingdom’s Shiite majority seeking greater political rights from the Western-backed Sunni monarchy. At least 50 people have died in the unrest and hundreds have been detained, including prominent rights activists and Shiite opposition leaders.

Rajab’s arrest will certainly motivate even more “illegal” gatherings. Hopefully, the excessive sentence of such a prominent human rights advocate will give western politicians the proof they need that “…Bahrain’s rulers are far more comfortable with harsh repression than with the reforms King Hamad keeps promising,” as Joe Stork, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa division said.

I can almost hear the enraged chant of “Down, Down Hamad” now.

Act Now: Stop Torture in Bahrain

Finally, the sinister monarchy that has been systematically murdering it’s people screwed up. Yesterday in Bahrain, two prominent human rights activists were badly beaten while leading a peaceful pro-democracy protest. Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, had to be hospitalized for the beatings he sustained.  The other man, Seyyed Yousif al-Muhafda,  sustained minor injuries as the result of being hit with a sound bomb. S. Yousif also works at the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights.

These abuses finally got the attention of the international community. The United States is calling for a probe into the attacks, which is better than nothing, and the actions of the riot police and Ministry of Interiors has been soundly condemned.  It is the perfect opportunity to bring the issue of weapons sales to Bahrain to the forefront.   Inform your representatives of this most recent attack.  If this is how the government of Bahrain treats prominent citizens and human rights activists, there is no end to what they’ll do to “average” people.  Now, with the world’s attention on the the Al Khalifa regime, America cannot be seen to sell weapons to Bahrain – it would be taken as clear support for these actions and all past atrocities.

It is also an ideal time to demand the release of political prisoners.  Here is a petition for the release of female prisoners, who are enduring unspeakable tortures, including sexual assault. This is a petition that calls for the release of all prisoners and prosecution of the men who have tortured them. Lastly, a couple of days ago Hassan Oun was taken prisoner and has been threatened to be raped to death.  The prosecution has said that Hassan will be held for 45 days.  During that time, anything can happen.  Sign the petition to get Hassan released before the worst happens.

For a play-by-play of yesterdays events in Bahrain, The Lede blog on the NYT website has compiled video and Tweets from people who were present at the protest when Nabeel and Yousif, as well as @AngryArabiya, were attacked.