Despite the promise of implementing the recommendations of the independent Commission of inquiry in Bahrain (CIAB) with regard to respect for basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, human rights situation in Bahrain remains in critical crackdown due to the government’s incessant actions of violation of the rights and freedom of the people of Bahrain, in particular the right of individuals to peaceful protest, freedom of speech and expression and continuous repression of protestors by the authorities. Arbitrary detention of human rights  activists by the Bahrain authorities remains to be the norm, the case of Ebrahim Sharif is amongst the prominent cases in Bahrain- a political leader  who has been aprisoner of conscience in the Bahrain’s Jaw prison and is facing a lengthy prison sentence solely for peaceful criticism of the government. Ebrahim Sharif, a 58 year old Bahrainian politician was arrested on March 17th, 2011 for alleged crimes of plotting to overthrow and change the mornachical system by force and criticing it falsely during the massive military-backed security crackdown in the country against pro-democracy protests that began on February 14, 2011 . Ebrahim Sharif  was denied contact with his family or any any legal representantion and was at risk of torture, abuse and conviction by the military court during dentention, as it was the case with other political detainees who had died in police custody.

Ebrahim’s  arrest in 2011 faced alot of opposition from many human rights organisations and National governments such as the United States.  He was later released after 4 years on a royal order. However Ebrahim was re arrested  less than a month after his release under the pretext of inciting hatred and sectarianism and calling for violence against the regime (state-owned media released this statement). Sharif is currently facing charges of violating articles 160 and 165 of Bahrain’s penal code which prohibits advocating “the overthrow or change of the country’s political, social or economic system with the use of force, intimidation or other “illegal methods” and any act that “expressly incites others to develop hatred or hostility towards the system of government.” and Whom the court sentenced to one year today 

ICSFT  condemn stands in solidarity with Ebrahim Sharif and his values  , as we believe in freedom of expression and association that is recognized under several international human rights instruments. We join the International campaign in appeal to the Bahrain government to release him along with other political prisoners