October 17, 2004 in Nation/World

Activist’s fate stirs Bahrain passion

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MANAMA, Bahrain – A human rights activist who publicly blamed Bahrain’s prime minister for economic failures and rights violations pleaded not guilty Saturday to charges of inciting hatred against the government and circulating false information about top officials.

Abdul-Hadi al-Khawajah’s hearing was delayed for about 90 minutes when dozens of supporters jamming the courtroom became unruly, shouting “God is great!” and “Live, live Abdul-Hadi!” and waving signs with the activist’s picture while they climbed on each other’s shoulders to see him.

Al-Khawajah, executive director of the now-disbanded Bahrain Center for Human Rights, was arrested last month after criticizing Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s economic and human rights record and demanding his resignation.

His arrest and the dissolution of his group underscored the limits still existing in the tiny Gulf nation despite steps toward democratic reforms. Bahrain is a largely Shiite Muslim country ruled by a Sunni royal family. Al-Khawajah and many of his supporters are Shiites.

Shiites have long have complained of discrimination and demanded better representation and equal rights through a lengthy, low-key uprising that ended in 1999 when King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa took over the throne and began a reconciliation and democratization process.

Many Shiite prisoners were pardoned and exiles returned home. Al-Khawajah returned in 2001 with his family after 22 years in self-imposed exile in Europe.

King Hamad has expressed confidence in the longtime prime minister, who is his uncle, and warned others against defaming the country’s leaders.

Supporters of al-Khawajah have held several demonstrations since his arrest.

Abduljalil Singace, spokesman for the Shiite-backed Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, warned “the situation will really get out of control” if al-Khawajah is not freed.

“Sentiments are sky high because people feel Abdul-Hadi is unlawfully detained,” he said.

Al-Khawajah could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison for inciting hatred and two years for circulating false information, defense lawyer Mohammed Ahmed said.

“My client is innocent,” Ahmed said. “We hope he will be released soon.”

Al-Khawajah’s next court hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.

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