Bahrain Authorities Must Overturn Death Sentences for Anti-Government Activists

Strategic Insights -

The Bahraini government has been criticized for its handling of protests and human rights abuses, with two activists facing death sentences for alleged involvement in the murder of two police officers. Amnesty International has urged the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin 'Issa Al Khalifa, to commute the sentences of 'Ali 'Abdullah Hassan al-Sankis and 'Abdelaziz 'Abdelridha Ibrahim Hussain, who were convicted in a closed session military court. The organization has also called for an independent investigation into the latest attack on prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, who had tear gas canisters thrown into his home, endangering his family.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two activists, 'Ali 'Abdullah Hassan al-Sankis and 'Abdelaziz 'Abdelridha Ibrahim Hussain, face death sentences for alleged involvement in the murder of two police officers during anti-government protests.
  • The Bahraini government has confirmed the death sentences, but Amnesty International is urging King Hamad bin 'Issa Al Khalifa to commute the sentences without delay.
  • Nabeel Rajab, a prominent human rights activist, had tear gas canisters thrown into his home, putting his family in danger, and is facing restrictions on travel due to his human rights work.
  • The Bahraini government has banned Nabeel Rajab from traveling outside the country, restricting his ability to expose and campaign against human rights abuses.
  • Amnesty International is calling for an independent investigation into the attack on Nabeel Rajab's home and for the lifting of all restrictions on him.
  • The Bahrain National Safety Appeals Court confirmed the death sentences against the two activists on Sunday, with two other men accused with them receiving life imprisonment.
  • The Bahraini government's handling of protests and human rights abuses has been widely criticized, with Amnesty International describing Bahrain as experiencing a "deepening human rights crisis."
  • Executions in Bahrain are normally carried out by firing squad, and the two men could be executed within days if their sentences are upheld by the Court of Cassation.

Statistics:

  • 16 March: Date of the alleged murder of two police officers by being run over with a vehicle.
  • 15 March: Date of the declaration of a state of emergency, termed the State of National Safety, by the King of Bahrain.
  • 2: The number of activists facing death sentences for their alleged involvement in the murder of two police officers.
  • 5: The number of men accused of the premeditated murder of two policemen, with three receiving life imprisonment and two facing the death penalty.
  • 1: The number of people arrested for the attack on Nabeel al Rajab's home in April.
  • 2: The number of attacks on Nabeel al Rajab's home in the past few weeks, including the latest incident on Saturday.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International
  • Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR)
  • Bahrain News Agency
  • BBC News