A human rights activist who publicly blamed Bahrain’s prime minister for economic failures and rights violations pleaded not guilty yesterday to inciting hatred against the government and circulating false information about top officials.
Abdul-Hadi Al Khawajah’s hearing was delayed for about 90 minutes when dozens of supporters jamming the courtroom became unruly, shouting “God is great!” and “Live, live Abdul-Hadi!” and waving signs with the activist’s picture while they climbed on each other’s shoulders to see him.
Al Khawajah, executive director of the now-disbanded Bahrain Center for Human Rights, was arrested last month after criticising Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s economic and human rights record and demanding his resignation.
The first attempt to begin yesterday’s court session was aborted because of the commotion in the courtroom, and Al Khawajah was hustled away from the courthouse. He returned 90 minutes later to find that the crowd outside the courthouse had grown to about 200 supporters shouting slogans against the prime minister.
“Khalifa, lift your hand! The nation doesn’t want you!” they shouted. Police told the crowd to settle down, but did not intervene. They squeezed Al Khawajah through the crowd and, gasping for breath, he was pulled into the courtroom. Wearing a burgundy suit and handcuffs, Al Khawajah entered his “not guilty” plea during a 10-minute court session.
Al Khawajah’s wife, Khadija Al Mousawi, cried as her husband entered and left the courtroom. “He has done nothing wrong,” she said, accompanied by their four daughters.
Al Khawajah could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison for inciting hatred and two years for circulating false information, defence lawyer Mohammed Ahmed said. Al Khawajah’s next court hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.

Associated Press
Manama
17 - 10 - 2004