Bahraini jails infested with diseases, Biden’s Saudi visit “betrayal of justice”
Severe diseases are spreading among native Bahraini political prisoners and serious concerns have been raised by their families and human rights activists that the situation may get out of control unless major initiatives are implemented. Among the fast-spreading illnesses are Tuberculosis, rabies and Covid-19. Political prisoner, Hussain Saeed Abdul Karim has been infected with Covid-19 with severe symptoms. His family is greatly concerned for his life. There is also concern that other political prisoners who share his cell may become infected. Amnesty International has previously documented medical neglect across Bahrain’s prisons, saying in a 2018 report that the system was “marred by regular instances of negligence, delay, and arbitrary exercise of authority which in specific cases rise to the level of intentional ill-treatment”.
Native Bahraini youth, Murtada Mohammad has now spent more than two weeks at hospital, suffering the destructive effects of the Tuberculosis. He has severe pain in his back and bones that worsened due to late treatment and lack of proper care. Another Tuberculosis victim, Hassan Abdullah Habib called his family this week. He sounded weak and tired, both physically and psychologically. His father who went to the gates of the notorious Jau prison collapsed at the gates. Since he was informed of his son’s disease, he could not sleep. Sayed Fadel Abbas, a political prisoner at the Grain torture centre, has been on hunger strike for several weeks. In his last phone call on 22nd March he complained of the continued abuses and inability to protect the rights of the political prisoners. In an audio message on Monday 6th June, political prisoner, Ali Al Banna complained of medical negligence at the notorious Jau Prison. He described his serious pains in his neck, bones and spine. He said his requests to see a doctor have not been heeded. He said he wanted to see lieutenant Hamad Al Dawwadi about his rapidly-deteriorating medical conditions. Ali who had lost one eye after being hit with a rubber bullet fired by the regime’s forces in 2012, is serving a 13-years prison sentence.
On 2nd June the family of Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja attended a special award ceremony in Geneva after he had been selected for the Martin Ennals 2022 Award. The award is a severe blow to the khalifi dictators who have persecuted native Bahrainis at colossal levels. Congressman Jim McGovern tweeted: “Glad to see Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja named as a @MartinEnnals 2022 laureate.” He described him as “a prisoner of conscience; tortured & imprisoned in Bahrain for his brave activism. He should be released immediately & without conditions.” From his cell, Abdul Hadi paid tribute to his wife for her support and for representing him at the Award ceremony. He also called for taking seriously the cases of other political prisoners. A pro-regime newspaper published a news that a native Bahraini youth was sentenced to three years jail and a fine of BD500 ($1300). Two others were given one year jail and a fine of $250 for participating in a peaceful protest in Sanabis.
Saudi citizen, Shadli al-Huwaiti, brother of Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti who was killed by Saudi forces last year, has been on hunger strike since 23 May in protest against ill-treatment and solitary confinement. Shadli and several family members have been detained since February 2020, for opposing eviction from their homes and town to make way for the over-ambitious project undertaken by the notorious crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) known as Neom.
President Biden plans to travel to Saudi Arabia this month to rebuild relations in an effort to lower gas prices in the U.S. and isolate Russia. Victims of the Saudi regime have reacted angrily to the news. Dr Abdulla Al Awdah, the sone of jailed cleric, Dr Salman Al Awdah commented: We as Saudi activists harmed by MBS feel betrayed by Biden. (He will be) shaking hands with the person who killed our friend #khashoggi, arrested our loved ones and tortured them, banned many of our family members from travel in order to blackmail us, and harass us here in the US! Lina Alhathloul, sister of former woman prisoner, Lujain said: “It was a high point when @POTUS announced my sister’s release from a cruel Saudi detainment during MBS’s crackdowns, but it would be eclipsed if the President suddenly decided to embrace MBS with no semblance of accountability for his crimes.”
On 5th June Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the wide-ranging legal changes introduced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late 2021, saying they fail to address the longstanding and systematic restrictions on citizens’ and residents’ civil and political rights. “The new laws maintain previous provisions and include new ones that pose grave threats to fundamental human rights,” HRW said in a statement yesterday. According to the rights group, the legal changes introduced in November cover amendments to over 40 laws including on crime and punishment, cybercrimes and drugs, aiming “to strengthen economic, investment and commercial opportunities, in addition to maximising social stability, security and ensuring the rights of both individuals and institutions.” “While the changes allow for a moderate broadening of personal freedoms, the new legal framework retains severe restrictions on the rights to free expression, association, and assembly,” it added.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
8th June 2022