Front Line is today celebrating the release of our friend and colleague Ali Abdulemam, who is one of the 23 detainees released from prison in Bahrain.

Further Information

Ali Abdulemam, blogger and founder of Bahrainonline.org was one of a group of 11 human rights defenders arrested and held in pre-trial detention with 12 other political activists on charges of participation in a terrorist conspiracy.

During their period in detention there were regular and credible allegations of torture of the detainees. Front Line has repeatedly called for the release of Ali Abdulemam and the other human rights defenders on the basis that there was no evidence to link him to the alleged crime and that the charges were politically motivated.

“While celebrating Ali's release and that of the other detainees Front Line continues to demand a full investigation into the serious allegations of torture made during this trial. The Government of Bahrain can show its commitment to change by carrying out a full and independent investigation into all the allegations of torture and bringing the perpetrators to justice” said Front Line Executive Director Mary Lawlor.

Ali Abdulemam had previously spoken to Front Line about how he was tortured both before and during his trial.

“I was subjected to torture, beatings, insults and verbal abuse. They threatened to dismiss my wife and other family members from their jobs. I was interrogated in the prosecution without a lawyer, and the officer there who appeared to be from the National Security dismissed my denials to the allegations put against me. He never allowed me to respond to the questions he was asking, but rather answering them himself whilst I was stood behind the door as I was not permitted to sit during the investigation.” ENDS

For further Information please contact: Jim Loughran - Head of Communications, Front Line Telephone + 353 1 212 3750 Mobile + 353 (0)87 9377586