Bahrain's Dark Secret: Political Prisoners' Plight Revealed

Bahrain has been criticised by human rights organisations for its treatment of political prisoners. According to a report by the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), there are an estimated 4,500 political activists currently imprisoned in the Gulf state. The BCHR also noted that the Bahraini authorities have arrested around 15,000 people for their political views over the past decade. The country's political prisoners have been subjected to torture, inhumane prison conditions, ill-treatment, and medical negligence, with some prisoners dying as a result of the latter.

Bahrain has the highest number of political prisoners among Arab states

The issue of prisoners in Bahrain has become a significant concern for human rights organisations, particularly following the brutal suppression of the 2011 pro-democracy protests against the ruling Al-Khalifa family as part of the Arab Spring. The Bahraini government, with the intervention of neighbouring Saudi Arabia, cracked down on the protests, leading to widespread arrests and detentions.

The Bahraini authorities have been criticised for their treatment of prisoners, with reports of torture, inhumane prison conditions, ill-treatment, and lack of adequate medical care. According to a report by Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), political prisoners suffer from long-term effects, including "invisible wounds," that prevent them from resuming a normal life after their release. The report also highlighted the lack of mental health services in prisons and the extreme forms of medical negligence practised by the authorities.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also criticised Bahrain for spending the past decade "cracking down on peaceful opposition." HRW reported that between June 2020 and May 2021, the Bahraini authorities arrested and prosecuted 58 people for their online activity. Additionally, the government has banned independent media organisations and dissolved significant opposition groups since 2017.

The international community, including the United Nations and human rights organisations, has expressed concern over the conduct of trials and detention conditions in Bahrain. While the Bahraini government defends its actions, citing compliance with international law, the high number of political prisoners and reports of human rights violations remain a pressing issue that requires further attention and resolution.

Torture and mistreatment of prisoners

Bahrain has been criticised for its treatment of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, with reports of torture and mistreatment. During the 2011 pro-democracy and anti-government uprising, the Bahraini authorities were accused of brutally repressing protesters, with the intervention of neighbouring Saudi Arabia. This sparked a large-scale crackdown on peaceful opposition, with independent media organisations banned and opposition groups dissolved.

Specific mistreatment techniques have been reported in certain prisons. For example, in Al Adliya and Asri prisons, detainees were forced to urinate on themselves due to the deprivation of toilets, while sleep deprivation was also common. In Al Qurain prison, where political leaders were held, solitary confinement was used excessively. The BCHR also documented 188 cases of child arrests during the Bahraini uprising, with almost all of them reporting mistreatment and some showing marks of torture.

Bahraini authorities initially denied all allegations of torture but later claimed to be investigating "isolated cases". However, those accused of torture were released, and there has been a lack of transparency and accountability. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticised the institutions set up after 2011 to receive and investigate complaints, stating that they lack independence and transparency. Despite international pressure and recommendations, Bahrain has failed to effectively address the issue of torture and mistreatment of prisoners.

Lack of medical care in prisons

Bahrain has been criticized by human rights organizations for its high number of political prisoners and the conditions in which they are held, including a lack of adequate medical care. This issue has been highlighted by groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who have documented cases of medical neglect and abuse in Bahrain's prisons.

The Jaw Rehabilitation and Reform Center (Jaw Prison), Bahrain's primary prison, has been a particular focus of concern. In 2015, it was reported that the prison had a population of around 2,500 inmates, yet there were only two physicians on staff and no more than two to three medical staff on duty at any given time. This shortage of medical personnel has led to frequent disruptions, delays, and denials of medical treatment for prisoners.

One of the most egregious examples of medical negligence in Jaw Prison involved Ahmed Merza Ismaeel, who suffered from sickle-cell anemia. Despite his condition, prison authorities coerced him into surrendering his right to a scheduled hospital appointment, threatening him with beatings and solitary confinement. As a result, Ismaeel's health deteriorated, and he suffered a severe health crisis in December 2016. He was hospitalized for a month but has since received no specialist care or medication for his painful and debilitating disease.

Another case involved Elyas Faisal al-Mulla, a 27-year-old inmate who was diagnosed with stage-three colon cancer. For almost two months, the prison administration refused to release al-Mulla's medical reports to his family, and when they finally received them, it was disclosed that the cancer had partially diffused into his lymph system. Despite his critical condition, he was transferred back to Jaw Prison within a week of undergoing a colon biopsy and continued to be held there during his chemotherapy treatment.

In addition to these cases, there have been reports of prisoners suffering from other serious illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, who have been denied access to necessary medication and specialist care. Prisoners with mental health issues have also been affected by the lack of adequate medical care, as mental health services are reportedly unavailable in Bahrain's prisons. This has prevented many victims of torture and other violations from resuming a normal life, as they are unable to access the support and treatment they need.

The issue of inadequate medical care in Bahrain's prisons is not just a matter of negligence but also of deliberate denial of treatment. This has resulted in permanent health damage and even deaths, as noted by the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR). The group has compiled a list of prisoners whose health has deteriorated or died due to systematic neglect, delays, interruptions, and deprivation of adequate care.

The failure to provide adequate medical care to prisoners violates international human rights law and standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Mandela Rules. Bahrain, as a state party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, is legally obliged to respect and protect the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Unfair mass trials

Bahrain has been accused of conducting unfair mass trials, sentencing hundreds of people to prison, and revoking the citizenship of many of its citizens. The country has been criticised for its treatment of political prisoners, with reports of torture and mistreatment.

In 2023, a Bahraini court sentenced 13 people to prison after an unfair mass trial marred by due process violations and torture allegations. The convictions were part of an ongoing wave of Bahraini authorities' violations of free expression, assembly, and due process.

The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) reported that there are an estimated 4,500 political activists currently imprisoned in the Gulf state, with nearly 15,000 people arrested for their political views over the past decade. The country has also been ranked number one among Arab countries with the highest number of prisoners.

The Bahraini government has been accused of cracking down on peaceful opposition, using "political isolation laws" and other tactics to keep the opposition out of public office and other aspects of public life. The large-scale crackdown intensified after the 2011 pro-democracy and anti-government uprising, with independent media organisations banned and opposition groups dissolved.

Torture and mistreatment of prisoners have been widely reported, with victims suffering from long-term effects such as anger, irritability, fear, and difficulties in focusing or making decisions. The Bahraini authorities have been urged to investigate these allegations and provide reparations for the victims.

The country has also been criticised for its widespread neglect of providing adequate medical care to prisoners, with reports of deaths inside prisons due to systematic neglect, delay, and deprivation of care.

The exact number of political prisoners in Bahrain is unclear, but it is believed to be one of the highest among Arab states.

Conditions for release of political prisoners

Conditions for the release of political prisoners in Bahrain

Bahrain has been criticised for its treatment of political prisoners, with reports of torture, inhumane prison conditions, and lack of transparency surrounding releases. While the Bahraini government has denied allegations of human rights violations, international rights groups have continued to advocate for the release of political prisoners in the country.

Royal Pardons and Mass Releases

One condition for the release of political prisoners in Bahrain has been through royal pardons and mass releases, often in response to international pressure or to address specific concerns such as the spread of COVID-19. In March 2020, for example, Bahrain released 901 prisoners through a royal pardon, citing "humanitarian reasons" due to the pandemic. However, prominent political leaders and human rights defenders were excluded from this release.

Hunger Strikes and Protests

Political prisoners in Bahrain have frequently resorted to hunger strikes and protests to demand their release and improve prison conditions. In 2023, 804 political prisoners at Jaw Prison participated in the largest and longest hunger strike in the country's history, protesting against limited time out of their cells, inadequate medical care, and restrictions on religious practices. While this strike inspired calls for the prisoners' release, it also led to authorities isolating and refusing medical services to some participants.

International Pressure and Advocacy

International pressure and advocacy have played a crucial role in the release of political prisoners in Bahrain. Rights groups, such as the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) and Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), have consistently called for the release of political prisoners, citing inhumane prison conditions, torture, and violations of due process. In some cases, international organisations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) have criticised Bahrain for its crackdown on peaceful opposition and the use of "political isolation laws" to keep dissidents out of public life.

Addressing Human Rights Concerns

Bahrain has faced widespread criticism from the international community over its human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of political prisoners. Rights groups have called for greater transparency, impartial investigations into allegations of torture, and reparations for victims. In response to such calls, Bahrain's government has, at times, released prisoners as a gesture of "commitment to criminal justice" and an opportunity for reintegration into society. However, the lack of a list of released prisoners' names makes it challenging to assess the extent of these releases.

The conditions for the release of political prisoners in Bahrain have been complex and varied. While mass releases and royal pardons have occurred, they have not always included prominent political leaders or addressed underlying human rights concerns. Hunger strikes, protests, and international advocacy have played a role in bringing attention to the issue, but the response from Bahraini authorities has been mixed. Improving prison conditions, ensuring due process, and addressing allegations of torture are essential steps towards creating an environment conducive to the release of political prisoners in Bahrain.

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