Jailed Bahraini activist Nabeel Rajab was named an honorary citizen of the city of Paris a few days ago. We have already posted and tweeted about Rajab several times, a leading figure in pro-democracy protests that swept Bahrain in 2011.
He is in jail for tweets condemning the use of torture in Jaw Prison, the bombings of the Saudi-led war in Yemen, and sentenced to a total of seven years imprisonment.
Nabeel Rajab joins the other laureates who received the honorary citizenship of Paris like Nelson Mandela, Shirin Ebadi, Dalaï Lama, Taslima Nasreen or Hu Jia.
FIDH tweeted about the City Council of Paris awarding the activist with the distinction:
After Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Shirin Ebadi, Taslima Nasreen … @NABEELRAJAB becomes the 19th citizen of honor of the city of Paris! This prestigious award recognizes human rights defenders for their fight for freedom and democracy. pic.twitter.com/EA7uNecvKJ
— FIDH (@fidh_en) June 6, 2018
Dimitris Christopoulos, FIDH President declared:
The award of the city of Paris reminds the Bahraini authorities that the imprisonment of Nabeel does not interest only some Gulf monarchies or NGOs. It has become the symbol of ruthless repression in the country. Facing international outrage, the Bahraini authorities should release Nabeel without further delay, together with the other incarcerated activists, whose only fault is to have asked for a little more democracy and freedom. By naming him as a citizen of honor, a prestigious distinction reserved for emblematic human rights activists, the city of Paris sends to our imprisoned and ill colleague, who is subjected to a shocking prison regime, a sign of fraternity and hope
IFEX retweeted Patrick Klugman, assistant for International Relations and the Francophonie at Paris City Council:
We are very pleased to see @NABEELRAJAB awarded honorary French citizenship by the Council of Paris today. The entire IFEX network is united in calling for his release. Nobody should be imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression. #FreeNabeel https://t.co/uAumZJJ9nr
— IFEX (@IFEX) June 18, 2018
Nabeel Rajab is not the only jailed blogger on the spotlight, many people in France are also supporting Saudi blogger Raif Badawi. Earlier this month, they rallied near the Statue of Liberty in Paris to show their support…
De nombreux amis au pied de la Statue de la Liberté à Paris le 17 juin en soutien à @raif_badawi emprisonné en Arabie saoudite depuis 6 ans. Merci pour votre fidélité et votre engagement. @anniesugier @CailleLaure @reseau1905 @egale_laicite @sovalsou @SemiraTlili pic.twitter.com/eXdiwyjYSk
— Djemila Benhabib (@djemilaben) June 18, 2018
