On 9 July 2012, Nabeel was sentenced to three months imprisonment after he was accused of libel and using social networking site twitter to "insult the citizens of Muharraq." These accusations stem from tweets he posted on 2 June 2012 in which he called on the Prime Minister to resign citing corrupt practices.
While in detention Nabeel has lodged an appeal against his three month-sentence which is expected to heard on 5 August 2012.
Nabeel Rajab is also facing other charges for "instigating demonstrations and participating in illegal gatherings without prior notification" on account of his peaceful human rights work. He is due to appear in court again on 26 September 2012 in respect of these charges.
CIVICUS believes that the charges against Nabeel are unwarranted and aimed at preventing him from carrying out his activities as a human rights defender.
Nabeel has been a prolific campaigner against the continuing and widespread human rights violations in Bahrain, taking place in the backdrop of demands for democratic freedoms since March 2011. A keynote speaker at last year's CIVICUS World Assembly, Nabeel has been the victim of judicial persecution in the past.
For more information on how to take action on Nabeel's case please see his profile at the CIVICUS Civil Society Behind Bars Campaign.
