Bahrain’s absolute monarch King Ahmad al-Khalifa has promised that his country will release all prisoners who have been convicted only of using their right to freedom of speech.

The King and his security service have clamped down on peaceful champions of democracy and the freedom of speech. At least 50 people have been killed, hundreds wounded and thousands imprisoned over the past year for demanding freedom and democracy.

Denmark, the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights and the international community have repeatedly called for the Danish-Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi Khawaja to be immediately released.

His is a case that is developing into a human tragedy. Despite the fact that al-Khawaja has never used or incited to violence, his protest has resulted in torture, and a life sentence from a military court.

Khawaja has now, under the slogan ‘Freedom or death’, been on a hunger strike for almost two months to protest against the continued human rights transgressions in the country and the continued incarceration of political prisoners.

His condition has seriously deteriorated. If he dies in prison, it will be a tragic disgrace for the kingdom.

For weeks now, Foreign Minister Villy Søvndal has been in close contact with Bahrain and has sought support from other countries in a diplomatic attempt to secure Khawaja’s release for vital medical care.

Most recently, the foreign minister highlighted the issue at last Sunday’s meeting of the Friends of Syria in Istanbul. A praiseworthy initiative. Much is at stake, not least for Denmark and the European Union if Khawaja dies before efforts to have him released are successful.

Bahrain’s protests against the violations in Syria ring hollow if Bahrain itself suppresses the freedom of speech and allows political prisoners to be tortured and to die in prison.

Al-Khawaja is an icon of the democracy movement in Bahrain. This was a position he held before last year’s open rebellion on Pearl Square in Manama. It is a position he still holds. What is more, he is an icon for a peaceful struggle for democracy – and the vision of an Arab Spring.

If the King and his government are so inclined, Khawaja can be released now. Today. It is the last chance if his life is to be saved.

If he is not released, the King will join the list of Arab leaders that the international community must hold responsible for abusing peaceful activists. It will also cast a heavy shadow across participants and sponsors of the upcoming Formula 1 race in Bahrain.

Action must be taken now. Before it is irrevocably too late.

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