Amnesty International calls for unconditional release of Bahraini activist

Amnesty International expressed its growing concerns over the health of prominent Bahraini activist Nabeel Rajab, who has been held in solitary confinement since 9 months, and its concerns about the effect it is having on his health and well-being.

Hawzah News Agency - The organization called on the Bahraini authorities to release Nabeel Rajab immediately and unconditionally as he is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression, adding that "pending release, the authorities have to

immediately end Nabeel Rajab's solitary confinement and ensure he is held in humane conditions."

Amnesty urged the authorities to uphold the right to freedom of expression and repeal laws that criminalize the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, including Article 216 of the Penal Code.

On 22 March, his trial in the case regarding comments he posted on Twitter was once again postponed and re-scheduled for 17 May. He also remains on trial on separate charges in relation to TV interviews he gave in 2015 and 2016.