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Naser al Raas: Canadian could face 5 years in jail in Bahrain
Join Amnesty International in standing up for his right to freedom of expression, association and assembly
October 27, 2011,
Dear Human Rights Supporter,
Facing 5 years for participating in a protest
Naser al Raas, Family photo
Naser al Raas speaks to us from Bahrain
Watch a skype message from Naser | Take action
In three weeks, a Canadian citizen could begin a lengthy and unjust jail term in Bahrain. He has already been tortured, held in solitary confinement for one month, released, and has now been sentenced to charges that could lead to 5 years in a prison in Bahrain.
Naser al Raas's crime? ... participating in a peaceful protest.
What Bahrain is calling a "crime" is the internationally recognized right of freedom of expression, association and assembly. It is a universal right (Article 20) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that protects you, me and people like Naser from tyranny and repression from governments.
Bahrain's cruel treatment of Naser is a violation of his fundamental rights and a clear demonstration of the path of repression, a path Bahrain has taken repeatedly in reaction to the Arab Spring.
Amnesty International is standing behind Naser al Raas. The charges should be dropped. The sentence should be quashed. He should not go to prison. It's as clear and simple as that.
Please join us in calling on Bahrain to drop the case against Naser.
Naser al Raas' story
Naser is a 28 year-old Canadian engineer, currently working in Kuwait. He was visiting his in-laws in Bahrain when he was arrested at the airport on his way home on March 20, accused of participating in the waves of Arab Spring protests taking place in Bahrain. He spent a month in Bahrain's notorious Al Qala prison, where he says he was beaten daily, and witnessed the ongoing torture of others in the prison. He is currently with his fiancée in Bahrain, awaiting a ruling on an appeal, and is unable to leave the country.
"Thanks to Amnesty and the international community who care about human rights. And that's it. That's me. I am here."
- Watch a skype interview with Naser recorded October 27, 2011.
The right to freedom of expression, association and assembly
In 1948 almost every country in the world - including Bahrain - signed the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These are the rights that protect human dignity and protect each of us - no matter who we are, or where we live - from arbitrary, repressive acts of governments. Bahrain's brutal crackdown on its own citizens throughout the Arab Spring, and its treatment of Naser al Raas, is why we need to stand up against state violations of freedom of assembly.
Amnesty International's influence comes from the many voices of people like you who draw the line when our rights are violated, as they have been in so many ways for Naser al Raas.
All governments also have the responsibility to protect their own citizens. Amnesty International has raised the case with the Canadian government to urge that Canada use the weight of its highest offices to ensure that this trial does not go forward and that Naser be free to leave Bahrain.
Help us now urge Bahrain to drop these charges immediately and allow Naser to leave the country.
Thank you for your steadfast commitment to human rights. It's your support that enables us to be a powerful and effective voice for people like Naser.
Sincerely,
Alex Neve
Alex Neve,
Secretary-General
Amnesty International Canadian Section
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