Prisoner Profile: Mohammed al-Ajami

Today marks four years since Qatari authorities arrested Mohammed al-Ajami for the contents of his poetry. Al-Ajami is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence and will remain in prison barring a pardon from the emir. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) calls on the government of Qatar to respect his right to[…]

Event Summary: Stifled Verse, Free Verse: An Evening of Poetry and Solidarity

On 12 November 2015, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), Split This Rock, and Busboys and Poets co-sponsored a poetry event entitled “Stifled Verse, Free Verse: An Evening of Poetry and Solidarity,” at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC. The event honored the imprisoned Qatari poet Mohammed al-Ajami, who is currently serving[…]

November Champions for Justice: Athletes

November 2015 – Athletes and sports figures have played an active part in Bahrain’s pro-democracy movement since it began in February 2011, and the Bahraini government has punished them harshly for it. Police arrested and suspended over 150 athletes, sports personalities, and club staff in relation to the protests. Those arrested include 27 members of[…]

Poetry Event in Honor of Imprisoned Qatari Poet Mohammed al-Ajami – 12 November 2015

Media Contact: Kate Kizer, kkizer@adhrb.org, (202) 621-6141 x 103 Washington, D.C. – 10 November 2015 – To mark four years since the arrest of the Qatari poet Mohammed al-Ajami, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), Split This Rock, and Busboys and Poets will host an event entitled Stifled Verse, Free Verse: A[…]

The Fox Guards the Henhouse: Electing the UAE to a Second HRC Term

On 28 October 2015, the United Arab Emirates won election to a second term on the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). According to Lana Nusseibeh, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, the UAE’s election represents “a milestone for the UAE’s diplomacy and a testimony from the international community of the great achievements[…]