In a call for justice echoing across the globe, 24 organisations, including Human Rights Watch, are demanding the immediate release of Ali Al Hajee, a committed human rights defender arrested on March 1, 2025. His arrest was linked to his comments on social media, particularly regarding human rights, and he is currently held in Dry Dock Prison under investigation for ‘misusing social media’.
Al Hajee, a veteran activist who previously endured over a decade of imprisonment, was taken into custody following a police summons on February 28, 2025. After complying with the summon, he faced questioning about his human rights advocacy and online posts. The following day, he was arrested, and the Public Prosecution ordered his detention without legal representation, a move deemed unjust by his family.
If charged, Al Hajee may face severe penalties under Bahrain’s stringent laws that restrict freedom of expression. Notably, Article 168 of Bahrain’s Penal Code enables the authorities to punish individuals for spreading supposed false information. This crackdown is not a solitary event but fits into a disturbing trend of silencing dissent surrounding Formula 1 events in Bahrain.
The approach against Al Hajee resonates with previous arrests of activists during similar events, indicating a broader pattern of repression. While there was optimism after the recent release of many political prisoners, Al Hajee’s latest arrest marks a troubling regression in Bahrain’s commitment to human rights. Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, expressed concern over his detention, urging for his immediate release.
The call for his release extends beyond mere words; organisations are appealing to Bahrain’s government to drop all charges related to Al Hajee’s legitimate human rights work, ensure he has access to legal representation, and allow his family to visit. Furthermore, allies of Bahrain including countries from the UK, US, EU, and even Formula 1 Leadership are urged to vocally support the demand for his release.
Ali Al Hajee, a Bahraini human rights defender, was arrested on March 1, 2025, for social media comments. Activist groups, including Human Rights Watch, demand his release. Al Hajee was previously imprisoned for over ten years and continues to face governmental repression. The situation reflects a broader crackdown on civil liberties, especially surrounding Formula 1 events. International organisations urge Bahrain’s allies to advocate for Al Hajee’s freedom and human rights protections.
Ali Al Hajee’s arrest illustrates an alarming reality in Bahrain, where human rights defenders face increasing risks, especially during high-profile events like the Formula 1. The call for immediate action from various human rights organisations highlights a collective effort to safeguard freedom of expression in Bahrain. The plea to allies and international entities reinforces the need for global attention on human rights violations, clamouring for Al Hajee’s release and a more supportive environment for defenders of human rights.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
