Bahraini juvenile inmates need protection, AI urges Saudis to free British national
On Friday 29th August the political prisoners at the notorious Jau prison staged a protest condemning the ill-treatment of the juveniles who are being ill-treated and denied the opportunity to pursue their studies. On Saturday 30th August the inmates at Bloc 5 of Jau prison held a protest, following that at Bloc17. On Monday 1st September the families of the political prisoners at Jau prison were denied a visit to their children. The reason given was the lack of enough employees to facilitate the visit. But the families see it as another attempt to intensify the suffering of both the prisoners and their families.
On Monday 1st August young citizen, Abbas Al Hubaishi, was snatched from the courtroom and taken to a torture cell. He had been arrested on 29th March. He was given a six-month prison sentence. Bahraini activist, Mohammed Al Singace has continued his daily protest outside the ministry of Labour demanding a job. For the past eight months he has held daily vigils in a symbolic gesture to highlight the plight of thousands of unemployed Bahrainis who consider themselves victims of the regime’s failed labour policies. They do not receive pension pay because they did not contribute to their pension fund as they had spent many years behind bars. He holds his banners and stays for several hours every day hoping to put enough pressure on the despotic khalifi regime to change its failed labour policies.
A Bahraini political exile has passed away in suspicious circumstances in the Iranian city of Qom. Sayed Hashim Al Mousawi, 42, was forced to leave the country several years ago, like thousands of other Bahrainis. His demise has caused an emotional trauma among many who have witnessed their colleagues depart this world away from their home and family. He followed in the footsteps of another Bahraini exile, Ali Fateel, 28 who died in May, in similar circumstances, having spent 7 years in exile.
Honourable Bahrainis joined in a protest against the khalifi regime for receiving an Israeli Ambassador against the wishes of the people. They were repressed by riot police who wanted to re-assure the occupiers of Palestine that their presence in Bahrain would be protected at any cost. The appointment of the new ambassador, Shmuel Refael, came at a time when Palestinians in Gaza are enduring famine and relentless killing. Instead of accountability, the expansion of ties with an occupier accused of war crimes sends a message of indifference to the suffering of the people of Gaza who are struggling to survive.
The persecution of children by the khalifi regime has continued. Nirin Abbas Al Mawt, 14 (from Sanabis town) was arbitrarily detained on 20th July when he was passing near the Exhibition Centre. He was unlawfully detained, thus missing his school and education. Abusing Bahraini children by the khalifi torturers indicates their sadistic nature and hatred of the natives. When Bahraini child Mahdi Al Mo’athen stood outside a police station last week demanding the release of his brother, Abdulla, he was summoned by the regime’s torturers for interrogation and punishment. He was abused, threatened and forced to sign an undertaking not to stand outside any police station in the future. His family was also harassed and threatened.
The Saudi authorities have announced that two Saudi nationals were executed. Nazzal bin Eid Al Atwi was accused of drug trafficking and distributing Amphetamine drug tablets. He was allegedly tried and convicted before being beheaded today (Wednesday 3rd March). Abdul Aziz bin Fahad Al Rashid was accused of alleged terrorist acts and possessing firearms. He was beheaded yesterday.
Amnesty International UK has called on the UK government to urgently advocate for Ahmed al-Doush, one year since the father-of-four was arbitrarily and unlawfully detained in Saudi Arabia on 31 August 2024 whilst on holiday in the country. The Manchester-based British national was sentenced to 10 years in prison in May this year, later reduced to eight years. His wife was pregnant at the time of his arrest, and he has never met his fourth child. Since his arrest, Ahmed has faced multiple violations of his right to a fair trial. He was subjected to extensive interrogation without a lawyer present and before being informed of the charges against him. His family’s contact with him has been severely restricted and he has faced repeated ‘punishment’ for attempting to communicate about his case and conditions.
Saudi journalist Turki al-Jasser was executed in June after years of enforced disappearance. This dramatically illustrates the lengths the Saudi authorities will go to suppress peaceful dissent. Campaigners have launched a petition calling for Posthumous justice, and urged people to sign it.
Many prisoners in Saudi Arabia, including preacher Sulaiman al-Dowaish, fitness instructor Manahel al-Oteibi, and aid worker Abdulrahman al-Sadhan have been subjected to enforced disappearance. Activists have called on the Saudi authorities to end this cruel practise.
The Saudi regime continues to hold women human rights activists behind bars instead of heeding the calls for their release or initiating a process of political reforms. At least four women activists are languishing in Saudi jails: Israa Al Ghamgham, Sarah Al Ali, Maryam Al Qaisoom and Najla Al Marwan.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
3rd September 2025