15/12/2022 (Agence Europe) – The European Parliament called, on Thursday 15 December, for the immediate and unconditional release of Danish-Bahraini human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and all other political activists. Al-Khawaja has been in prison for 12 years, sentenced to life imprisonment for leading peaceful protests during the 2011 Arab Spring for democratic reforms. The urgent resolution - adopted by 316 votes in favour, 6 against and 38 abstentions - recalls that the defender suffers from health problems and requires prompt and specialised medical treatment. The European Parliament also calls on the authorities to ensure a fair and regular trial and to respect the rights of detainees. Furthermore, it condemns the continued use of torture and ill-treatment in the country. The EPP Group decided not to take part in the vote on the urgency resolutions. For more information: https://aeur.eu/f/4pa (CG)