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The American Islamic Congress Condemns Bahraini Government for Targeting Young Human Rights Activist |
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Monday, June 16th, 2008 – The American Islamic Congress condemns the targeting of Mohamed Al-Maskati, 21, director of Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR) by the Bahraini government with claim that he is running an unlicensed organization. If convicted, Maskati will face up to six months in jail and/or fine of 500 BD (1360.74 US dollars).
"We believe that the claim filed against Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights by the Bahraini Ministry of Social Affairs is politically motivated," Dalia Ziada, AIC North Africa Office Director said. "Maskati, the director of BYSHR, is well known for his bold activities in unveiling human rights violations in Bahrain."
On September 2007, the Public Prosecutor notified Maskati on his charge of committing the crime of running unlicensed association. That is despite the fact that the Ministry of Social Affairs denied BYSHR license application several times.
On January 21st, Maskati's trial was postponed due to the great pressure caused by international media that spread awareness about the case and local, regional, and international civil community organizations that condemned the case. However, Maskati was shocked to receive another notification this week with a new trial date on November 6th.
"Putting Maskati in jail will not help the Bahraini government in eliminating its shameful record of human rights violations," Dalia Ziada said. "On the opposite, targeting a young activist whose only crime is advocating human rights with his colleagues in BYSHR will add a new violation of international treaties and conventions ratified by Bahrain."
The experts of international law, hired by AIC to provide legal advice on BYSHR case, consider that the claim filed by the Ministry of Social Affairs against BYSHR is null. Bahrain, as a signatory, has to abide by international charters which guarantee and protect the right of association. They include but are not limited to Article 22 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that guarantees the right to form and join nongovernmental associations and trade unions; and Article 20 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that guarantees the right of freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
The American Islamic Congress announces its support to Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights by launching a letter-writing campaign on Maskati's behalf. The letter will be sent to international, American, and Bahraini officials who bear direct responsibility towards BYSHR case.
Contact: Jina Hassan (USA), +1.617-266-0080, Dalia Ziada (Egypt) +20.10.668.8387
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