Solidarity Protest in Lebanon calling for release of AlKhawaja

Protest in Lebanon over jailed Bahraini activist on hunger strike
9 April, 2012 – The Daily Star

BEIRUT: Dozens of people protested in front of the Bahraini consul-general’s residence in Hamra Monday in solidarity with imprisoned Bahraini activist Abdullah al-Khawaja, who has been on a hunger strike for two months.

Organized by the Palestinian Human Rights Foundation [Monitor], the protesters voiced their concerns over the health of Khawaja, a leading activist in the ongoing protests against the ruling family in Manama, holding the Bahraini government responsible for his deteriorating condition.

On Sunday, Bahrain ruled out extraditing the dual Bahraini-Danish national to Denmark, according to Reuters.

Khawaja, who was transferred to a military hospital last week and is being fed intravenously, received a life sentence on charges of treason last year along with 13 other activists.

Bahraini activists have rallied support for Khawaja on social media outlets. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have also asked for his release.

During the protest Monday, the administrative director of Monitor said that Khawaja was “engaging in this battle on behalf of the honorable defenders of dignity and freedom.”

In a statement, the organization called on the international community and in particular the Danish government to intervene immediately to release Khawaja.

Over 5,000 demonstrators took to the streets Saturday near Manama demanding the release of Khawaja but were met with riot police. Anti-government activists claim charges against Khawaja are fabricated.

In February of last year, protests by Bahrainis calling for reform were crushed by the government. Bahrain accused Iran of fueling the protests. Tehran denied the allegations.

Recent weeks have seen a renewal of large-scale protests. Last month, thousands of Bahrainis demonstrated near Manama to demand democratic reform.
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