Bahrain: Nabeel Rajab Hospitalized

Nabeel Rajab, the president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, was severely beaten today and then hospitalized. Eye witnesses have reported that he was injured in his head, back and chest, and he was reportedly denied immediate access to his lawyer.  Al Wefaq has publicly condemned the attack and demanded an apology from the Bahraini Ministry of Interior. On Twitter (Arabic), Rajab mentions participating in a march in Manama demanding the release of prisoners, and it is possible that he was violently confronted during or after that gathering. A video of Rajab speaking with policemen at the protest is available here. Upon hearing that he’d been beaten, supporters have gathered in front of his house in solidarity but faced tear gas by security forces.

Update: As additional details are confirmed about this incident, it is now reported in a press release that Nabeel Rajab was beaten by security forces during a peaceful protest and transported to Salmaniya hospital. Although he has been allowed to speak on the phone with his lawyer, he has not been permitted to see family members or colleagues.  It is expected that he will be interrogated by security forces.