Islam Times - Bahrainis call for the release of photographer Ahmed Humaidan

Islam Times - In Bahrain, anti-government protesters have gathered to call for the immediate release of an imprisoned photographer.

The demonstrators released sky lanterns and held placards in the island of Sitra in support of photographer Ahmed Humaidan.

Humaidan and 28 other Shias were sentenced to 10 years in prison after being accused of attacking a police center back in 2012.

At least 10 local and international organizations have signed an open letter, calling on the Al Khalifa regime to dismiss all charges against Humaidan.

The photographer is expecting a ruling from Bahrain’s High Court of Appeals over his conviction. His appeal has been delayed more than once.

Meanwhile, several anti-government demonstrations have been held in other parts of the country.

Since mid-February 2011, thousands of pro-democracy protesters have held numerous demonstrations in the streets of Bahrain, calling for the Al Khalifa royal family to relinquish power.

On March 14, 2011, troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were deployed to assist the Bahraini government in its crackdown on peaceful protesters.

The Manama government has imprisoned thousands of people for attending pro-democracy demonstrations over the past three years.

Human rights groups have voiced concern over the treatment of the Bahraini activists being kept in prisons and the atrocities committed by authorities and security forces in the government crackdown.