Detention of Human Rights Defender Nabeel Rajab Extended

Monday 11 May,
A Bahraini High Court extended the detention of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab for 15 more days. Rajab was arrested on 2 April 2015 on new charges of posting and re-tweeting comments on Twitter regarding the war in Yemen and torture at Jaw prison. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison. Rajab is also expected to hear the final verdict on his second case on his appeal hearing of a six-month sentence he was given on 20 January 2015. The six-month sentence was for another tweet critical of the Bahraini Ministries of Interior and Defense . The verdict of the appeal is expected on Thursday 14 May.

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Updates from the Ground in Bahrain

51 people arrested, including 2 children
More than 93 trials postponed
Security forces continue to use excessive force including tear gas and shotgun pellets against protesters

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Bahrain News and Opinion

Letter from Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja to the High Commissioner for Human Rights -

The full text of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja’s open letter to the High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid

4 Years of UK Assistance to Bahrain for What Result? Only More Torture -

If the next Government only cares to sell arms and build trade links with Bahrain, let them at least have the courage to admit that they don't really care for human rights.

Bahrain: End imprisonment of democracy campaigner Nabeel Rajab

Index on Censorship has condemned the latest extension to the detention of the prominent Bahraini human rights activist on spurious charges

Arabic Sources

Activist Ghada Jamsheer Convicted with Beating 2 Policewomen

Please click here for a PDF of this article in English

Demonstrations Result in 26 Arbitrary Arrests

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Saudi Arabia

Upcoming Event: Discrimination Against Women in Saudi Arabia

Please join ADHRB and Human Rights First on 13 May 2015 at 3:45 PM in Room 2456 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC for a discussion on the ongoing discriminatory practices the government of Saudi Arabia uses against women in the country. The event panel will include a number of Saudi women who will be speaking on issues such as the Saudi guardianship system, family law, women human rights defenders and the ban on women driving.

Read more about the event here.

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Are you a victim of a human rights abuse in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia?

Document your case with the Special Procedures of the United Nations through ADHRB's UN Complaint Program.