Bahrain Mirror: The European Union called for the release of Bahraini human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, commenting on a new Bahraini court ruling sentencing him to an additional five five years in prison, issued on Wednesday morning (February 21, 2018).

The European Union encouraged all parties in Bahrain to contribute to resume dialogue with a view to relaunch a process of national reconciliation in a peaceful and constructive manner.

The statement issued by the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy further highlighted that the case of Mr. Rajab has become a symbol for human rights defenders and respect of freedom of speech, in Bahrain and beyond, stressing that "this new sentence, as well as the open cases against Mr Rajab, run counter to the Government of Bahrain's own commitments  as the country prepares itself for new parliamentary elections."

The European Union once again reiterated its call to grant Mr Rajab's release, including on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health condition.

Arabic Version