Human rights activist jailed in Bahrain

A prominent human rights activist in Bahrain has been jailed for five years over tweets alleging prison torture in his country and misconduct in Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen, despite international criticism of his trial.

Nabeel Rajab’s sentencing marks the latest chapter in a long crackdown on dissent in Bahrain, a tiny island kingdom off the coast of Saudi Arabia that is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet.

He is already serving a two-year sentence handed down last July over television interviews he gave that included criticism of Bahrain.

Rajab has been taken to hospital several times during his most recent incarceration after he suffered heart problems and ulcers.

After his sentencing, he raised his hands, made a peace sign and laughed.