Bahrain Mirror: The Gulf Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (GIDHR) addressed U.S President Donald Trump, in a letter issued yesterday (Monday 18 June 2018), on the eve of Sheikh Ali Salman's trial on 21st of June 2018.

"Sheikh Salman is well-known for his peaceful and moderate political speech throughout all his political life. He has been described as a symbol for non-violence and peace," the letter said.

"There is a firm belief that Sheikh Ali Salman has been targeted for expressing his political views publicly, for defending the right to political participation, arguing against corruption and oppression, as well as demanding democracy, political reforms, social justice and equality among the people of Bahrain," it continued.

The American administration, which was the main party in the US-Gulf initiative, is aware that Sheikh Ali Salman's call with the Qatari former prime minister, which Bahrain's Public Prosecution based itself on, was part of the aforementioned initiative," GIDHR added.

GIDHR concluded its letter calling upon the American administration to exert pressure on the Government of Bahrain to release Sheikh Salman and all the political prisoners unconditionally; drop all the charges against him; halt all human rights violations, hold perpetrators accountable, and compensate the victims; and end all forms of discrimination; set a national dialogue with all the opposition parties."

Arabic Version