Letter Urging King of Bahrain to Release Maryam Al-Khawaja

Your Royal Highness,

We are concerned at the continuing detention of human rights defender Maryam Al-Khawaja, who was arrested on August 30 2014, and we call for her immediate and unconditional release. She is known for her impressive human rights advocacy in many countries, and many of us are familiar with her work and support it.

We understand she is due for a second court hearing on September 16. The continuing detention of human rights defenders such as Maryam Al-Khawaja is deeply troubling. Civil society members who peacefully promote human rights should not be subjected to reprisals, whether judicial harassment, intimidation or detention.