Update: Nabeel Rajab was found guilty today August 16, of taking part in an “illegal gathering” among other charges in relation to a protest in the capital this past February.
Just this afternoon, 19 Members of Congress sent a letter urging Bahrain’s King Shaikh Hamad bin ‘Issa Al Khalifa to release Nabeel Rajab, a man imprisoned for a tweet.
Nabeel is one of the “Bahrain 14” – 14 political activists sentenced to everything from three months to life in prison simply for engaging in nonviolent speech, expression, or association. Seven of the 14 have been given unbelievable life sentences in prison for their activism.
The letter was organized by the Office of Congressman Keith Ellison and includes the signatures of prominent US Senators Patrick Leahy and Ron Wyden.
It is also backed by Rep. James McGovern, Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.
This is a big week for Bahrain. On Sunday, a Bahraini appeals court will issue its verdict on Nabeel Rajab’s case. He has already been sentenced to three months in prison. On Tuesday, the remaining 13 Bahraini activists will hear the final verdicts in their appeals.
The Government of Bahrain needs to know that the world is watching. You can help by sharing the letter to Bahrain’s King via Facebook or by Twitter.