Blog #2: Bahraini activist sentenced to prison

“You can jail me for three years or 30 years, but I will not back down or retreat” stated activist Nabeel Rajab of Bahrain. Nabeel Rajab is sentenced to three years in prison “for participating in illegal rallies and gatherings” a government spokesman said. Rajab is the president of Bahrain Center for Human Rights group. Rajab and his human rights group participate in marches along with many other protesters wanting the Al-Khalifa family to be removed from ruling. The royal family had ruled Bahrain since the 18^th century and whom protestors blame for the country’s high unemployment and government violence that occurs. Protestors claim their government is corrupt because they rely on torture to control conflict. Rajab’s group believes that the only reason he was targeted was to “prevent him from continuing his legitimate and peaceful human rights work.” The Kingdom of Bahrain does not agree. The president of the kingdom pointed out that these marches escalate in to violent ciaos which include “fueled rioting, road blocking, arson” and other serious violent acts. These acts have caused over 700 security force members to be injured. According to Rajab, in March, government personnel took him from his house to the Interior Ministry’s investigative department where he was beaten, blind folded and interrogated about armed suspects. Rajab’s lawyer said he would file an appeal of the sentence the Ramadan holiday. Those on Rajab’s side support him and claim that he was only peacefully exercising his human rights and that his sentence is outrageous. Rajab’s wife, Sumaya, who was at the reading of the verdict, expressed that although the sentence is harsh but it is not surprising to her nor Nabeel. She said that it just shows how corrupt the judiciary system is in Bahrain and “there are no human rights.” She adds, “this sentence is the biggest scandal in the history of Bahrain judiciary.”

Opinion:

 

The entire article being in quotes from opposing sides made it feel like I was standing in between two arguing Bahraini natives. This article is very similar to my last blog based on human rights being stolen from people because of royal families who have been in power for too long and corrupt judicial systems. Before being sentenced to three years in prison, Rajab already was serving time for posting a Twitter message that was against the prime minister of Bahrain. I can’t believe a Twitter message forced a man to serve three months in prison. This puts into perspective the extreme conditions Rajab and the people of Bahrain face. Bahraini people should have the right to voice their wants and needs without the fear of consequence from their government. Rajab and his human rights group is being the voice for their people no matter what the consequences are. What Rajab stated in the beginning of the article shows his persistence and passion to fight for his rights. Three different times now he has been accused and punished but not one of the accusations stopped him. I hope that help from other nations try to help be a voice for these people because if the Bahrain government lost this case it would be the most catastrophic thing that will ever happen to not only Bahrain but also other Middle East countries who are facing the same tribulation. Nabeel Rajab deserves to be awarded for his bravery and action that could possibly save his country.