Bahrain: Statement by the Spokesperson on the release of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab

The European Union welcomes the release of prominent Bahraini human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, following the decision of a Bahraini court to grant him a non-custodial alternative sentence to the five-year jail term he was serving since 2016 for peacefully expressing his opinion.

The European Union has been following the case of Mr Rajab very closely, calling on the Bahraini authorities to release him and all other persons detained for expressing their opinion and exercising their human rights or defending the rights of others.

The European Union will continue engaging with Bahrain on upholding fundamental rights and freedoms.