Front Line Defenders calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja

Bahrain: Front Line Defenders calls for the release of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja and Zainab Alkhawaja as well as end to violence against peaceful protestors
Original Post: 20 December, 2011

Front Line Defenders today renews its call for the release of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja currently serving a life sentence after an unfair trial. The organisation also expresses its concern at the violent arrest of peaceful demonstrators including Abdulhadi’s daughter Zainab Alkhawaja who is currently in detention amid serious concerns for her well being.

Human rights defender Abdulhadi Alkhawaja has been in prison since 9 April 2011 and has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a grossly unfair trial. At the time of his arrest he was so badly beaten that he required a four hour operation in the military hospital. He was subsequently subjected to further torture. He was initially held incommunicado and denied access to his lawyer and family.

The concerns for his physical welfare and his right to a fair trial have been vindicated by the recently published report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Enquiry (BICI), chaired by Professor Bassiouni, which upheld allegations of torture and which clearly stated that the defendants, including Abdulhadi Alkhawaja, had been denied their right to a fair trial in line with international standards.

On that basis Front Line Defenders calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja. …more