AhlulBayt News Agency

source : Press TV
Wednesday

25 April 2012

7:30:00 PM
311292

Bahrainis demand freedom for prominent activist Khawaja

Bahrainis have held a protest rally in the village of Ma’ameer to demand the release from jail of prominent human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Demonstrators took to the streets in Ma’ameer, about 15 kilometers (9.5 miles) south of the capital, Manama, on Thursday.

Protesters also called for the release of Khawaja’s daughter, Zainab, who was arrested on April 21 for participating in protests against her father’s detention.

According to a report published by Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Zainab will be held “for seven days by order of the public prosecution.”

Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who holds dual Danish and Bahraini nationality, was given a life sentence in June 2011 over accusations of inciting protests against the Manama regime.

On April 24, Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director Hasiba Hadj Sahraoui said, “The Bahrain authorities’ delaying tactics are toying with the life of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, who is on death’s doorstep as he enters his 75th day on hunger strike.”

The Thursday demonstration in Ma’ameer comes as Bahraini police continue with their violent clampdown on peaceful protesters.

Salah Abbas Habib, 36, was the ninth Bahraini victim killed by regime forces since March 17, 2012, activists say. Habib’s body was found on a rooftop in a village near the capital, Manama, on April 21.

The office of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement on Thursday, saying the UN chief “remains concerned about the situation in Bahrain, particularly with regard to the continuing clashes between security forces and protesters which have resulted in more casualties.”

Bahrainis hold King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa responsible for the death of protesters during the popular uprising that began in the Persian Gulf island nation in February 2011.

/106