Bahrain activist Nabeel Rajab, “arrest is meant to weaken uprising, muzzle free expression”

Bahrain activist tells court his arrest is meant to weaken uprising, muzzle free expression
Associated Press, 16 May, 2012

MANAMA, Bahrain — A prominent rights activist jailed in Bahrain says his detention is a political act aimed at weakening the uprising against the Gulf kingdom’s rulers.

Nabel Rajab also told a judge on Wednesday that authorities seek to muzzle free expression as part of crackdowns against opposition groups.

Rajab, the president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, was arrested May 5 and charged with using social media to insult Bahraini authorities and encourage demonstrations. Fifty-five lawyers attended his hearing in a show of solidarity with Rajab.

The trial continues on Sunday.
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