Statement by the spokesperson on the sentencing of Nabeel Rajab in Bahrain

The EU has learnt of the decision of the Bahraini Court of Cassation to uphold the two years prison sentence against the Human Rights activist Nabeel Rajab. 

The EU has been following the case of Mr Rajab very closely. He has been serving consecutive terms in prison since his arrest in spite of his poor state of health. We reiterate our call on the Bahraini government to release Mr Rajab, including on humanitarian grounds. The Government of Bahrain should show commitment to its own reform agenda by upholding freedom of expression. Suppressing voices of dissent can only contribute to fuel resentment and instability.

The EU encourages all parties in Bahrain to relaunch a dialogue conducive to national reconciliation in a peaceful and constructive manner.