Success: Canadian released from prison in Bahrain

I got this from Amnesty International:

GREAT NEWS: Naser al Raas has been released!
Thank you for speaking out for his freedom


Released!
Naser al Raas, Family photo


"I would like to thank Amnesty International members and the people of Canada for fighting for me. I’d like to thank everyone who fought for me without knowing me. I now believe in those who fight for justice. Thank you so much."
- Naser al Raas

A Canadian sentenced last October in Bahrain to five years in prison for taking part in anti-government protests has now been found not guilty on appeal.

Naser Bader al-Raas, a Canadian national of Kuwaiti origin, had been sentenced to five years in prison for "inciting hatred towards the regime", participating in illegal gatherings and giving false information to the media. Yesterday he was found not guilty of all charges in his appeal verdict!

Amnesty International welcomes this decision as a victory for freedom of expression, association and assembly, and for the defence of Naser's right to be free from torture and ill-treatment.

Naser Bader al-Raas had been sentenced on October 25, 2011, together with another 12 defendants, for charges linked to his participation in protests in March 2011. He went into hiding after the verdict was announced on October 25th.

Amnesty International believed he was detained merely for participating in a peaceful protest, and was in immediate contact with Naser.

Thousands spoke out on Naser's behalf.

Thank you for taking action and contributing to this terrific outcome.

It is our hope that the verdict in Naser's case signals a positive shift for human rights in Bahrain. During the crackdown on protests last year, some 50 people were killed and hundreds injured. Thousands were dismissed from their jobs and schools. Others like Naser faced unfair trials and torture.

In November 2011, the King of Bahrain welcomed the report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. The government made commitments for human rights reform and accountability for abuses, but in the following months little has changed and protesters still face excessive force on an almost daily basis.

Take action for justice and accountability in Bahrain.

http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=823&type=Internal&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Informz


Your commitment to human rights and your actions help make Amnesty International a powerful and effective force, and ensures that people like Naser are protected from human rights violations. Thank you!

Sincerely,


Alex Neve

Alex sig

Alex Neve,
Secretary-General
Amnesty International Canadian Section