Shaikh Hamad bin ‘Issa Al Khalifa  
Office of His Majesty the King 
P.O. Box 555 
Rifa’a Palace
al-Manama
Bahrain 

Your Majesty, 
 
Please allow me to draw your attention to the case of Ebtisam al-Saegh who is a human rights defender who works with the Bahraini NGO Salam for Democrarcy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR). She was arrested on 3 July after tweeting about female detainees who were victims of abuse at Isa Town detention centre for women. 

On 26 May, NSA authorities had  interrogated Ebtisam al-Saegh at their building in al-Muharraq. At that time they told her to stop all her human rights activities or else she would be further targeted. 

I take positive note of the NSA Ombudsman’s investigation into Ebtisam al-Saegh’s allegations of torture and sexual assault during her detention in May. I order a prompt, independent and impartial investigation. Those who are reasonably suspected of responsibility should be prosecuted in proceedings which meet international standards of fair trial. 

Ebtisam al-Saegh is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression and her human rights work. I urge you to release her immediately and unconditionally.

Yours sincerely,

(naam, adres, handtekening)