Bahrain Mirror: 11 non-governmental organizations called on the US President Barack Obama to help release imprisoned human rights activists in Gulf states, whose leaders are meeting in Saudi Arabia this month.

In an open letter, the signatories called on Obama to pressure these states in order into releasing all jailed human rights defenders in the Gulf.

The signatories to the letter, including Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights First, reiterated their concern about the ongoing jailing and targeting of human rights defenders in the GCC countries, and addressed Obama, saying: "We ask you, Mr. President, to live up to your promises made in 2011 to support popular movements for reform across the region."

Obama will visit Saudi Arabia to attend a summit with GCC states that will take place on April 21, 2016, which, according to the White House, will discuss countering extremist groups, regional conflicts and sectarian tensions.

Arabic Version