Trial of Freedom of Expression in Bahrain:
Spilled in less than 10 seconds, the judge read out a political verdict for the detainees of publications
After waiting more than half an hour on the date of the trial, and without the presence of the defense, the lower court judge concerned with the publication detainees walked quickly to the hall of the court with a piece of paper in his hand. He asked everyone to sit and asked about the presence of the accused, then, nervously and with low voice, quickly read the sentence, in less than 10 seconds. The verdict, which was barely heard from those close to the rostrum, is the imprisonment for a period of one year to Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years old) and six months for Husain Abdul aziz Al Hebshi (a private company-32 years) on charges of possession of publications, downloaded from the Internet, calling for the boycott of the past elections.
Trial of Freedom of Expression in Bahrain:
Spilled in less than 10 seconds, the judge read out a political verdict for the detainees of publications
After waiting more than half an hour on the date of the trial, and without the presence of the defense, the lower court judge concerned with the publication detainees walked quickly to the hall of the court with a piece of paper in his hand. He asked everyone to sit and asked about the presence of the accused, then, nervously and with low voice, quickly read the sentence, in less than 10 seconds. The verdict, which was barely heard from those close to the rostrum, is the imprisonment for a period of one year to Dr. Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahlawi (dentist-35 years old) and six months for Husain Abdul aziz Al Hebshi (a private company-32 years) on charges of possession of publications, downloaded from the Internet, calling for the boycott of the past elections.
The judge left the court hall, immediately after the reciting the verdict, without waiting for a single second, amidst astonishment of the relatives of the detainees, their supporters, activists and the press. The way in which the judge recited the verdict gave a distinct impression that the sentence was political and was made ready for him. The judge role, apparently, was limited to implement decisions and verdict, without any human rights or humanitarian considerations.
Yesterday, Human Rights Watch considered “The imprisonment of two Bahrainis for trying to express nonviolent political opinions violates freedoms guaranteed under Bahrain’s international obligations and the kingdom’s own constitution. Bahrain’s persecution of free expression makes a mockery of its membership in the UN Human Rights Council” and called for the immediate release of the prisoners, “Mohammad Hussein.” Earlier, 49 human rights organizations considered “what Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al-Sahlawi and Mr Husain AbdulAziz Al Hebshi is is not a crime and has not been a violation to the provisions of the law or the acceded charters. We, therefore, plea that they are released immediately and unconditionally, setting out a good example of respect and protection of human rights values as expected from Bahrain, a member the UN Human Rights Council”.
It should be noted that the families and lawyer of detainees will appeal against the sentence, expressing their discontent at the way the verdict was read and the manner it was dealt with them and their sons.
and Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain
January 31st, 20