Bahraini politician Ibrahim Sharif was jailed in March 2011, at the beginning of the so-called Arab Spring inspired protests in Bahrain. Photo credit: Waad

Bahraini politician Ibrahim Sharif was just released from prison, after “completing his sentence.” Sharif, who is General Secretary of the secular liberal National Democratic Action Society (WAAD), was arrested on March 17, 2011, with five other politicians, on charges of “conspiring to overthrow the government”. Activists and other politicians believe Sharif was arrested for his leading role in calling for reforms and democracy during the so-called Arab Spring inspired protests in Bahrain.

He was sentenced to five years in prison on June 22, 2011, and the court upheld the sentence in September, 2012. During his jail time, Sharif has testified he was subjected to torture and ill treatment.

News of his unexpected released fueled rumours in Bahrain, with some people confirming it and others denying it. Faten Bushehri is tracking the news of Sharif's release on Global Voices Checkdesk.

Netizens following the news report that Sharif was released for completing his sentence. However, he has now served four years and three months.

After first denying the news as a rumour, Waad just tweeted:

عاجل : تم الإفراج عن المناضل ابراهيم شريف الآن #bahrain #sharifIsFree #waad

— ‎جمعية وعد (@Waad_bh) June 19, 2015

Breaking news: Freedom fighter Ibrahim Sharif has been released

For updates, check out our coverage on Global Voices Checkdesk as this story continues to evolve.