 The European Union noted the verdict with concern and expected it to be "reconsidered in the appeal process". A spokesperson for the French Foreign Office affirmed the right of freedom of expression and called for dialogue as a mean to solve the political crisis. "We are disturbed by the harsh sentence imposed on Mr. Rajab and hope it will be reviewed on appeal," spokesperson added. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office expressed concern at the length of the sentence and called on opposition activists to avoid inciting "violence or other illegal acts". "We urge the Bahraini Government to act proportionately in all cases. The right of individuals to peaceful protest and freedom of expression is a fundamental part of any modern democracy and must be respected," spokesperson added.
