Mahdi Abu Dheeb released from jail

NASUWT is delighted to announce that the leader of the Bahrain Teachers Association (BTA).

Mahdi Abu Dheeb has been released from jail after five years detention.

Mahdi was sentenced in 2011 for calling for a teachers’ strike in support of democratic reforms.

The BTA is an affiliate of Education International and has expressed thanks to everyone worldwide who has been calling for Mahdi’s release. The NASUWT was particularly highlighted as being central to the campaign for Mahdi’s release since his arrest five years ago. NASUWT members were instrumental in supporting the campaign.

Mahdi’s freedom does not mark the end of the struggle for trade union rights in Bahrain. It is imperative that there is not “revolving door” process and that the authorities do not feel able to return him to jail. Additionally, we must continue to campaign for authorities in Bahrain to adhere to international standards on human and trade union rights and ensure that cases like Mahdi are not repeated.

The NASUWT will continue to work with leaders of the Bahrain Teachers Association to ensure that the rights of teachers and children from all backgrounds in Bahrain are respected equally.

For information on trade union rights in Bahrain and to read more about NASUWT’s international work, please visit www.nasuwt.org.uk/International.

Best wishes