Bahrain: Human rights defenders from across the Middle East speak out on behalf of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja

Bahrain: Human rights defenders from across the Middle East speak out on behalf of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja
Posted on 2011/06/22

In reaction to the trial and sentencing of human rights defenders and former Front Line Protection Coordinator for the Middle East, Abdulhadi al Khawaja, human rights defenders from across the Middle East have spoken out on his behalf.
Further Information

1. Waleed Sulais – Saudi Arabia

At an early age, Abdulhadi Al Khawaja became a human rights defender. His sole concern was that people live in freedom, justice and equality, within a legal framework that would protect them from unfairness and arbitrariness.

Al Khawaja worked with many rights defenders for over fifteen years. Until moments prior to his arrest, he still held that ultimate sacrifices are necessary for the welfare of millions of people.

Abdulhadi taught that human rights defenders ought to do good to those who do evil to them, and that rule of law should prevail.

Freedom for the human rights defender, Abdulhadi Al Khawaja.

2. Suad Al Gedsi – Yemen

I know Abdulhadi in person very well. He is an exceptional rights activist, working independent from any sect or political party. For many years, he was subjected to numerous violations, as result of his work defending the rights of others, whether that be in Bahrain or elsewhere in the Arab region or the entire world.

We are concerned for his health and the baseless charges against him. We urge the Bahraini monarch and government to ensure his immediate release, and to bring to justice those who tortured and ill-treated him.

3. Moataz Elfegiery – Egypt

Bahraini authorities have apparently not learned the lesson from other states as far as handling demands for reform and improving the human rights situation are concerned. This is particularly true given that this is not the first incident when Mr. Abdulhadi Al Khawaja faces persecution and trumped up trial.

Rather than responding in such a manner, Bahraini authorities should initiate without further delay a dialogue with democracy and rights activists, instead of carrying on with this security-based approach, which contravenes with the king’s rhetoric, and does not indicate his willingness to reform.

4. Khanim Rahim Latif – Iraq
Our brother, Mr. Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, is entirely dedicated for the cause of promoting human rights. His fault as I see it is that he fights for human dignity. He undoubtedly does not deserve this treatment by the Bahraini government. I appeal to all relevant parties to act on behalf of this noble person, and to make everything possible to ensure his release. I am willing, from Iraqi Kurdistan, to do anything that would enable him to regain his liberty. …more