Activist sent to prison for Twitter posts

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A prominent human-rights activist in Bahrain was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison over Twitter posts alleging prison torture in his country and misconduct in Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen.

Nabeel Rajab’s sentencing marks the latest chapter in a yearslong crackdown on dissent in Bahrain, a tiny island kingdom off the coast of Saudi Arabia that is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. He is already serving a two-year sentence handed down in July over television interviews he gave that included criticism of Bahrain.

Rajab has been hospitalized several times during his most recent incarceration over heart problems and ulcers.

Rajab’s Twitter account posted a message Wednesday saying he entered the court with a “cheerful smile” before his sentencing. After his sentencing, he raised his hands making a peace sign and laughed.

Bahrain’s constitution guarantees its citizens freedom of speech. However, Rajab was prosecuted under laws making it illegal to offend a foreign country, spread rumors at wartime or “insult” a government agency.

Responding to questions from The Associated Press, the government of Bahrain’s National Communication Center said Rajab’s convictions “did not, in any way, relate to any political views he may hold.”