A poet facing a secret trial in Qatar after being detained since last year is a possible prisoner of conscience and must be released immediately and unconditionally if he is detained solely for his peaceful criticism, Amnesty International has urged, as the one-year anniversary of his arrest approaches.

Mohammed al-Ajami - also known as Mohammed Ibn al-Dheeb - was arrested on 16 November 2011 in the Qatari capital Doha, and later reportedly charged with “inciting to overthrow the ruling system” and “insulting the Amir”. “Inciting to overthrow the regime” is a charge punishable by death in Qatar, while “insulting the Amir” carries a five-year prison sentence.

The prosecution’s case against him is reportedly based on a poem he wrote in 2010 criticising Qatar’s Amir, but Gulf activists have alleged the real reason for his arrest was his “Jasmine Poem”, written in 2011 in the context of unrest across the Middle East and North Africa. The Jasmine Poem broadly criticises governments across the Gulf region, saying “we are all Tunisia in the face of the repressive elite”.

Al-Ajami was allegedly held incommunicado for months after his arrest before being allowed family visits. It is believed he is currently being detained in the capital’s Central Prison. He has been held in solitary confinement since arrest. Meanwhile, his trial in Doha’s Criminal Court has been marred by irregularities, with court sessions held in secret. Reportedly, his lawyer had to provide a written defence of his client after being barred from attending one of the court sessions.

Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa Director Philip Luther said:

“Mohammed al-Ajami has now spent almost a year behind bars in solitary confinement apparently solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. If that is the case, he would be considered a prisoner of conscience and should be released immediately and conditionally.

“Qatari authorities must ensure that legal proceedings against al-Ajami are carried out in accordance with international fair trial standards and that any charges which relate solely to peaceful criticism, even if it is of the highest authority in the country, are dropped.

“Qatar must relax restrictions on freedom of expression and ensure poets, bloggers, journalists and everyone else are allowed to speak their minds without fear of facing incommunicado detention, secret trials and other harsh repercussions.”

Freedom of expression is strictly controlled in Qatar, hampering freedom of the press and contributing to self-censorship among the media.