The King of Bahrain has swiftly pardoned a human rights activist who was sentenced to one year in jail for inciting hatred against the government. King Hamad also ordered the release of 13 people who had demonstrated in support of activist Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja last month. Mr Khawaja, vice-president of the Bahrain Centre of Human Rights, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. His case has raised concerns at home and abroad about democratic reform. In recent years, Bahrain has boasted about making significant moves towards democratic government under the king’s leadership, said the BBC’s Julia Wheeler. Amnesty International said the court verdict earlier on Sunday was “a dangerous step against human rights” in the kingdom. Full Story
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