A coalition of human rights organisations is urgently calling for the immediate release of Ali AlHajee, a dedicated human rights defender, who was detained in Bahrain on 28 February 2025. This action followed a police summons, leading him to be held under investigation at Dry Dock Prison for alleged “misusing social media”. AlHajee’s social media presence was primarily committed to advocating for human rights causes.
Having spent a decade as a political prisoner, AlHajee regained his freedom in June 2023, only to be confronted by further scrutiny. He was summoned by the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Crime Detection on a day significant for the Formula 1 testing in Bahrain, whereupon he was questioned about his activism and social media activity.
The very next day, he found himself arrested, with public prosecutors ordering a seven-day detention without legal representation, as reported by his family. AlHajee could face severe penalties under Bahrain’s stringent laws against freedom of expression, especially Article 168 of the Penal Code, which criminalises the dissemination of alleged falsehoods.
His arrest is part of a concerning trend of repression associated with Formula 1 events in Bahrain. In previous years, activists faced intimidation and arrests for demonstrating against the oppressive regime during races. AlHajee’s recent detention marks a disturbing step back from the government’s recent efforts to release political prisoners, according to observers.
Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, expressed alarm regarding AlHajee’s case, calling for his immediate release and emphasising the need for an environment that supports human rights defenders. In solidarity, we demand that Bahraini authorities not only free AlHajee but also drop all charges related to his work. Authorities must guarantee his access to legal counsel and permit family visits.
It is also imperative for Bahrain’s international allies, including the UK, US, and EU, to vocally oppose AlHajee’s detention and advocate for his release, extending this plea to Formula 1’s leadership.
AlHajee’s past as a political prisoner, combined with continued harassment from authorities, paints a grim picture of the human rights situation in Bahrain. Despite previous repression, he remained steadfast in his advocacy for political prisoners’ rights, demanding greater accountability and liberty in his home country.
Human rights organisations are calling for Ali AlHajee’s release after his arrest in Bahrain for alleged social media misuse. Previously a political prisoner, his detention reflects a troubling trend of crackdowns during Formula 1 events. UN officials express concern over his case, urging Bahraini authorities to ensure legal rights and drop charges against him. International allies are requested to intervene and support AlHajee’s cause.
The situation surrounding Ali AlHajee underscores a worrying pattern of human rights violations in Bahrain, particularly regarding freedom of expression. His unjust detention and the crackdown on activists during significant events like the Formula 1 demonstrate a climate of fear and repression. Together, we must call for his immediate release and advocate for broader protections for human rights defenders in Bahrain, ensuring their vital work can continue without threat. The international community’s pressure is essential to safeguard these rights.
Original Source: www.article19.org
