Bahrain should act immediately to address the grievances of the hundreds of prisoners currently on hunger strike

Skyline International Foundation strongly condemns the situation of political prisoners in Jau Prison in Bahrain. Bahrain's political prisoners, who are on hunger strike, have refused further concessions from the government and are widening their protest. Skyline therefore calls on the Bahraini authorities to release the prisoners who are exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, starting with prominent human rights lawyers Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and Abduljalil al-Singace.

In a statement released today, Tuesday, Skyline states that on August 7, 2023, more than 400 inmates in Jau Prison, the largest prison in the nation, embarked on a hunger strike to protest the appalling conditions in the prison and the refusal of medical attention. At the time of the hunger strike on August 30, at than 800 people were participating, according to the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.

In this context, Bahraini human rights activist Maryam Al-Khawaja reported that her father Abdulhadi, a prominent dissident, was twice transferred to intensive care after he began a hunger strike and was denied access to a cardiologist to treat his condition. The family of Ahmed Jaafar, another detainee, said in a statement that he was held in solitary confinement after beginning his hunger strike and was transferred to a hospital on August 27.

Many of the hunger strikers are unjustly imprisoned after court cases in which rights were violated. Several prisoners told the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy on August 21 that prison authorities continue to treat prisoners inhumanely and deny them access to proper medical care.

As reported, prisoners are calling for an end to the isolation of some detainees, an extension of the time they are exposed to sunlight, prayer in the community, a change in visitation controls, and access to more medical care and education. By suppressing the opposition's demands and failing to address their grievances, the Bahraini government is undermining these fundamental rights. The use of government concessions as a means to quell legitimate dissent is not a sustainable solution and only exacerbates tensions within society.

The international human rights foundation 'Skyline' considers this situation a violation of international law and conventions. The rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association are fundamental human rights protected by various international treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These rights guarantee individuals the freedom to express their opinions, engage in peaceful protest, and associate with others who share their views.

Furthermore, Skyline emphasizes the importance of upholding international law and conventions. Bahrain, as a signatory to various human rights treaties, has a legal obligation to respect and protect the rights of its citizens. Any actions that contradict these obligations should be condemned and addressed by the international community.

 

At the end of its statement, Skyline calls on the Bahraini government to respect and protect the rights of its citizens, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. It calls on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the opposition to address their concerns and work toward a peaceful resolution. It is critical for all parties to find a peaceful and inclusive solution that respects the rights and dignity of all Bahraini citizens. Skyline International Foundation continues to advocate for human rights and support efforts to promote freedom, justice and equality worldwide.