A Bahraini boy holds a sign protesting the December 2012 arrest of freelance photographer Ahmed Humaidan. (AFP/Mohammed al-Shaikh)
A Bahraini boy holds a sign protesting the December 2012 arrest of freelance photographer Ahmed Humaidan. (AFP/Mohammed al-Shaikh)

CPJ signs joint letter to Bahrain calling for Ahmed Humaidan’s release

Today, CPJ joined 10 local and international organizations in sending an open letter calling on King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and the Bahraini government to release photojournalist Ahmed Humaidan and dismiss all charges against him. The letter calls on the government to fulfill Bahrain’s obligations under international law and its commitments under the 2012 Universal Periodic Review by the U.N. Human Rights Council.

On Sunday, Humaidan is expecting a ruling from Bahrain’s High Court of Appeals regarding his conviction for participating in an attack on a police station and 10-year prison sentence. His appeal has been delayed more than once since his sentencing in March 2014, according to news reports. Last week, CPJ called on the court to overturn the conviction.

CPJ highlighted Humaidan’s case on World Press Freedom Day with our special report, “Ten journalists to free from prison.” Please continue to support his release by sharing the letter (in English or Arabic); using hashtags #FreeThePress and #FreeHumaidan on social media; and in calling on the Bahraini Ministry of Interior, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State for Information Affairs, or the Media Adviser to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to free Humaidan.