Press Releases

 Rep. Jim McGovern calls on Bahrain to grant early release of Nabeel Rajab

Congressman James P. McGovern today called on the Government of Bahrain to grant the early prison release of Nabeel Rajab, President of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and Director of the Gulf Center for Human Rights.  Rajab is currently serving a two-year prison sentence solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. As part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission's Defending Freedom's Project, Congressman McGovern has adopted Rajab as a prisoner of conscience and is dedicated to seeing his conviction overturned and his immediate release secured.

A provision in the Bahrain criminal procedure law provides for early release on grounds of good behavior after three-quarters of a sentence served.  In Nabeel’s case, this would be November 29.  Rep. McGovern therefore urged the Government of Bahrain to unconditionally release Nabeel on that date and to cease further threats against all non-violent human rights activists and leaders of Bahrain’s peaceful opposition.

“Nabeel provides a critical voice to those working peaceably for democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law in Bahrain,” said Congressman McGovern. “Releasing him on November 29 would send an important signal that the Bahrain government is serious about political stability and reform.”

Congressman McGovern is Co-Chair of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.