Bahrainis detained after attack on protest, Saudi youth beheaded

On Sunday 21st July, a young Bahraini youth was seriously injured with a rubber bullet fired by the police, when regime’s forces attacked a peaceful protest. Hussain Habib Baddao, from Duraz was rushed to hospital where doctors carried out two operations to stop bleeding. He was shot at close range with a C4 tear gas cannister that broke several bones in his forehead and caused extensive damage. His life is still in danger.

As soon as the Ashura commemorations ended last week, the khalifi regime began its revenge policy against the people who had taken leading role during the season. Many of the speakers, orators and lamenters were summoned, interrogated and threatened with further action. They include: Mahdi Sahwan (travel ban), Sheikh Ahmed Al Atish (travel ban), Sheikh Al Qarain (ban from lecturing). Others were also interrogated: Sayed Alawi Abu Ghayeb, Sheikh Hussain Al Qassab, Sheikh Isa Al Qaffas, Sheikh Ali Al Sadadi, Sheikh Maitham Al Mahafda, Sheikh Munir Al Ma’tooq, Sheikh Hamed Ashoor, Sheikh Muhyi Al Mash’al and Saleh Sahwan.

Bahrainis have taken part in protests and rallies in support of the political prisoners, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. On Monday the people of Sanabis marched to express support for Hussain Baddao. Similar demonstrations were held in Samaheej, Bani Jamra, Al Markh, Abu Saiba, Daih, Aaali, Duraz, Demstan, Ma’amir and Karzakkan. Yesterday, senior citizen, Ali Nasser was summoned and detained for protesting against the regime. On Friday 19th July young native Bahraini, Ahmed Yousuf Al Musalli, from Karranah town was detained. He had participated in a protest earlier in day in support of the political prisoners.

Calls were made to Mazen Shaqora, the representative of the UN Commissioners office and his team who were on an un-announced visit to Bahrain not to allow themselves to be exploited by the regime to improve its reputation. The delegation did not meet any of the prisoners, their lawyers or other civil society bodies.

The renowned Bahraini history researcher, Jassim Hussain Al Abbas has been banned from travel outside the country. He has published articles and books that go against what the khalifis claim in relation to the country, its history and its original natives.

Five native Bahrainis who have been in jail since 14th February have had their trial adjourned until 11th August. They were detained after their participation in a pro-Palestine demonstration to condemn the mass killings in Gaza. The five are: Jaffar Taqi Al Halwachi, 20 from Manama, Ammar Saleh Hassan, 23 from Sitra, Muntadar Mohammed Mohsin, 21 from Daih, Ali Mohammed Mohsin, 21 from Daih and Ali Ahmed Jassim Naseef, 71 from Al Ne’aim.

The Bahraini government has summoned several Hussaini orators for interrogation, following their speeches during the Ashoora season. They include Abdul Muhsin Mulla Atiyya and his brother, Mulla Abbas, both from Bani Jamra town. A third scholar, Sheikh Isa Al Qaffas was arrested, interrogated and then released pending further investigation. At least 16 scholars, orators, lamenters and heads of matams (Hussaini congregation halls) were summoned, interrogated and banned from travel.

Several local activists have criticised the management of the Jau prison for its cruel treatment of the prisoners. They were incensed by cruel acts like cutting electricity and water supplies, the reduction of food rations and denial of proper medicines. These policies have adverse effects on the well-being of the detainees.

On Wednesday 17th July Saudi regime executed another innocent man. Saudi national Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Ali al-Abd al-Jabbar was executed in the Eastern Province, following a sham trial and royal order.  Al-Jabbar was falsely accused of terrorism because he was calling for political reform in the country.  In February, Saudi Arabia executed seven men  falsely accused of terror offenses. A month prior to that, the Saudi regime carried out the death sentence against a Saudi citizen convicted of similar false charges.

Calls to release Saudi woman human defender Salma Al Shehab have continued. A petition calling for her release was prepared by Global Citizen network and has been signed by almost 18,000 people. Salma, from the Eastern Province of Arabia and a mother of three, is serving a 27-years jail sentence for her peaceful online activism. She was doing her PhD at the University of Leeds in UK.

On 18th July Saudi national Abdullah al-Huwaiti marked his 22nd birthday behind bars. He is at imminent risk of execution for “crimes” allegedly committed when he was only 14. His trial proceedings were marred by numerous violations, including relying on confessions extracted under torture.

24th July 2022