A call to release political prisoners in Bahrain

The human rights organization in Bahrain on Friday called on the ruler of the country, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, to release all political detainees on the occasion of celebrating the country's national day on December 16.

The organization's secretary general, Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja, called in an open message on the ruler of Bahrain to "announce a general pardon on the occasion of the national day." He also called for "ensuring the right of return for all citizens existing abroad as well as accelerating the process of launching public freedoms and reforming laws pertaining to that and a call for free and honest elections."

The Bahraini Parliament which was formed in 1872 was dissolved in 1975 because of "obstructing the governmental work," as claimed by the government. The opposition in Bahrain has been calling for having it back.