More pro-Palestine Bahrainis detained, FCDO concerned about Saudi HR
The International Day of Human Rights on 10thDecember was marked by Bahrainis in several ways. Protests were held, statements issued and discussions were undertaken. Bahrainis have special affinity to this day as their suffering continues under the khalifi hereditary dictatorship and their rights systematically violated. They are also preparing for the Martyrs Day on 17th December with protests and calls for regime change. They view the ruling khalifi family as responsible for the killing of more than 200 natives through various means: torture, execution and the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters. The political prisoners have declared a programme of activities in their cells for one full week to commemorate the martyrs (10-17th December). It includes art works, poetry and intellectual speeches.
Following the recent verdict of the European Court in the case of Ali Al Shuwaikh (who had been handed by the Dutch government in October 2018) the khalifi authorities have placed him in political isolation. He has also been deprived of the brief daily outing in the sun and banned from calling his family. The court has imposed a fine of 50,000 Euros on The Dutch government to be paid to Al-Shuwaikh for being unlawfully handed to Bahrain where he was severely tortured and is now serving a life sentence. The Court accused the Dutch authorities of carelessness when they took the decision and did not conduct proper due diligence.
On Monday 11th December four natives were detained by the khalifi forces: Mohammed Hassan Saleh, Mohammed Sadiq Al-Fardan, Hassan Mohammed Atiya and Abdullah Hassan Abu Hameed. On Thursday 7th December regime forces arrested native Bahraini youth, Hussain Abdul Zahra (from Daih) after he had been summoned for interrogation. On Tuesday 12th December, Bahraini youth Wahab Nasser Wahab (from Al-Malikiyah town) was arrested on the Bahrain-Saudi causeway.On Sunday 10th December native Bahraini youth, Mohammed Amir Al Hubaishi (from Al Zahra city) was detained after he had been summoned for interrogation.
Two other Bahraini youths were also detained for undisclosed reasons. Hussein Abdel-Zahra and Muhammad Amir Al-Hubaishi were taken into custody after being summoned for questioning.
On Monday 11th December regime prosecutors extended the detention of three Bahrainis for 15 more days: Hussain Abd Ali Marhoon, Mohammed Hadi Abu Naseeb and Hussain Al Jaziri. They were detained on 17th November. Mahdi Nasser Ahmed Nasser has also had his detention extended by 30 more days for taking part in a pro-Palestine protest in Sanabis town. He had been arrested on 2ndNovember.
Imprisoned Bahrani opposition leader’s health has been steadily deteriorating, warn family and activists. Hassan Mushaima, 75, has been told he has kidney damage and may need dialysis soon, but authorities won’t disclose further details about the extent of damage to his kidneys. Political prisoner Ayyoub Adel Ahmed has been suffering various ailments for some time but has not received real treatment. He urinates blood with severe stomach pains. When he was eventually taken to the hospital he was admitted to the acute unit for 21 days. But the delay led to kidney failure and other complications.
In an open letter, 16 human rights organisations have made an urgent plea to Bahraini authorities to release opposition leader Hassan Mushaima. Detained since 2011, he requires urgent medical treatment. The letter said: As Mr. Mushaima’s health deteriorates, it is now more imperative that he be released immediately and unconditionally. In the meantime, he should be provided with adequate medical treatment. Among the signatories are: Amnesty International, Article 19 and CIVICUS.
Andy Slaughter, Labour MP asked the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what representations he has made to his Saudi counterpart on the death sentences passed on Abdullah al-Derazi. The reply came in a written format saying: Saudi Arabia remains a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Human Rights Priority Country, in part because of the continued use of the death penalty. We continue to monitor the cases of the young men, including Abdullah al-Derazi, who allegedly committed their crimes as minors and are at risk of execution. The Minister for the middle East and Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon regularly raises these cases, including Abdullah al-Derazi with the Saudi authorities as a priority.
The health condition of the Saudi cleric Sheikh Saleh Al-Shami has deteriorated again. The prison administration is refusing to transfer him to the hospital for the necessary treatment and has also prevented him from receiving family visits.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
12th December 2023
