Bahrain Mirror: The Omani authorities handed over on Tuesday (February 23, 2016) Bahraini activist Hassan Al-Baqali, who was arrested a day earlier after flying from his place of residence in Iran and transiting through Oman airport for the purpose of travelling to Europe, to Bahrain.

His family said that they received a brief phone call from him saying that he was at the notorious Criminal Investigation Department which is known for its practice of torture."

Al-Baaqali's family expressed concern and fear over his fate, holding the Omani and Bahraini authorities accountable for any physical and emotional harm that he might be exposed to. His family further stated that they contacted the Oman Embassy in Bahrain and urged them to refrain from handing him over to Bahraini authorities since it threatens his live.

The Omani authorities detained Al-Baqali, who was sentenced to 80 years in prison in absentia, at the airport over charges of participating in peaceful protests, based on an arrest warrant issued by the authorities in Manama.

Human rights activists had called on Omani authorities to refrain from sending Al-Baqali to Bahrain because he will be threatened to face torture and retaliation, stressing that he is not involved in cases that require answering Bahrain's request.

Arabic Issue