Doctor held for 'misusing' social media

  A Bahraini doctor arrested for his use of social media must be granted access to legal and medical support, urged the BMA. Sa'eed Mothaher Habib al-Samahiji was arrested at his home in 'Issa town, around 15km south of the Manama (pictured), the capital, on 3 January for posting on Twitter. Dr Sa’eed al-Samahiji told his family that he is being held for interrogation regarding a post about the execution of the prominent Saudi Shi’a cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr by the Saudi Arabian Government, and for insulting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Twitter. The doctor still suffers from injuries sustained during a previous arrest in 2001 and concern is growing for his health while in Dry Dock prison in Manama. BMA specialist adviser ethics and human rights Julian Sheather said: ‘We are extremely concerned about the re-arrest of Dr Sa’eed al-Samahiji for the peaceful expression of his political convictions. 'We understand that there are also grave concerns about his health, which has been fragile following earlier arrest and torture. ‘It is imperative that the Bahraini Government grant Dr Sa’eed al-Samahiji immediate access to a lawyer and to any medical treatment or support he may need. 'Given that the peaceful expression of political belief is protected under international law we also call for Dr Sa’eed al-Samahiji’s immediate release.’   Public insult The Bahraini public prosecution published a statement on 4 Januar...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news