13 Congressmen: release Bahraini prisoners, 27 NGOs: reject UAE prize
Meanwhile the daily protests demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Bahraini political prisoners have continued with up to 30 daily demonstrations in most parts of the country. The regime insists on holding thousands of prisoners of conscience as hostages to silence the people who have been calling for regime change.
Thirteen US Congressmen from the two main parties have expressed concern about the continuing human rights crisis in Bahrain and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the political prisoners. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawii said: I am still extremely concerned about the human rights situation in Bahrain including; repressing the leaders of opposition, activists and human rights defenders, the trials that lack the international standards of fair trial, the ill treatment of detainees and the restrictions on the freedom of speech. Senator Patrick Leahy of Fermont expressed concern about the reports from Bahrain regarding the horrifying crimes against human rights activists. He said he had voted for a moratorium on arms sales to Bahrain.
It has now been confirmed that regime’s forces had committed heinous crimes when they attacked the political detainees at Jau prison on 17th April. Calls from some of the victims who had been forcibly disappeared confirmed their horrific ordeals. Their voices and brief comments caused serious concerns and worries among their families. Mothers wept as they heard the faint voices of their tortured sons. Calls have been made by local and international bodies for an impartial inquiry into the crimes committed by the khalifis on 17th April. The regime banned the victims from making visual contacts with their families. The aim is to stop the victims exposing their wounds to families or activists. The regime has consistently refused to allow UN special rapporteurs or foreign human rights bodies into the country. Instead, it sought to deflect criticism by flocking 30 foreign ambassadors to a stage-managed visit to Jau prison where some ordinary prisoners were paraded while severely injured ones were secluded. One of those who were severely tortured is Ai Hassan Al Aradi who was hit by one of the torturers (A.F.). Another torturer hit him on his eye causing it to swell and bruise for one week, as another torturers beat him on his feet.
Amid the scare linked to the pandemic, Hussain Ali Khamis is still suffering from Covid-19 as the worries of his family intensified. The pandemic has now spread widely among detainees amidst lack of proper sanitation or medical care. Another Covid-19 victim, Sayed Hassan Hashem (bloc 6 of Dry Dock prison) has been removed from his cell. His family is extremely worried about their son. Among the Covid-19 victims at Bloc 19 of Jau prison are: Mohammad Tarif, Ahmed Murad, Qassim Hassan Matar, Hani Rajab, Hussain Fadel, Hassan Al Aradi and Jaffar Eid.
The regime notorious security apparatus has summoned relatives of some of the martyrs. Among them were Munir Mushaima, brother of martyr Sami Mushaima, his son Mohammad and the father of infant martyr Sayed Hussain. The father of martyr Abbas Al Sami’ was also summoned for interrogation.
Committee to Protec Journalist is highlighting the case of a Bahraini journalist behind bars. It said: Ahmed Humaidan is a photographer covering protests in Bahain was arrested while documenting protesters attacking apolice statin in 2012, an sentenced to ten years behind bars in 2014. He recently contracted and recovered from Covid-19 while imprisoned.
On Monday May 10, a coalition of 27 NGOs jointly called on the recipients of the Sheikh Zayed Book Awards to reject their prize, withdraw from the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and stand in solidarity with prisoners of conscience in the UAE. In a letter to nominated recepients, they said: We are concerned that this Award reflects the Emirati authorities’ PR strategy to invest in cultural events in a bid to hide its repression against peaceful dissenting voices. We therefore respectfully request that you reject the awards in light of the dire human rights situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Among the political detainees are: Ahmed Mansoor, Dr Mohammed Al-Roken, Dr Mohammed Al-Mansoori and Dr Nasser Bin Ghaith,
Concerns are rising for the health of two political detainees in Saudi Arabia. Sanad for Human Rights said that both Safar Al Hawalli and Salman Al Odah (who is serving five years jail sentence) have been suffering ill health but receiving little medical care. Former prisoner Loujain al Hathloul has been asked to sign a document informing her of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the judgment of the Specialized Court of Appeal.
Bahrain Freedom Movement
12th May 2021