Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) condemn the recurring, violent attacks on prisoners at Jaw Prison since 10 March 2015. On 10 March 2015, Bahraini security forces allegedly attacked prisoners at Jaw Prison using rubber bullets, tear gas, and shotgun pellets. Leaked pictures from Jaw Prison show numerous injuries, there has also been credible evidence from witnesses confirming that detainees are still being systematically tortured and living in deplorable conditions since the initial attack. Reports have alleged that prisoners have suffered broken legs, pelvises, facial fractures as a result of alleged torture. Families of the detainees have been provided little to no information about the conditions of their loved ones and have been denied regular visitation causing angst among families of the detainees.
Among the detainees at Jaw is American citizen, Tagi Al-Maidan. Since his arbitrary arrest and conviction three years ago, Tagi’s condition has continued to deteriorate. His family has exhausted every avenue within the Bahraini legal framework to appeal his arbitrary imprisonment. In a recent visit with Tagi in prison, his mother observed visible signs of physical mistreatment and denial of medical care. Tagi has claimed that he has been forced to sleep outside along with other inmates, denied the use of a bathroom, being forced to relieve himself in his clothes and has been explicitly told by prison security that he would be beaten after visitation with his mother. His family is deeply concerned for his safety and wellbeing.
With the help of several constituents from Tagi’s home state of Connecticut, the treatment of Tagi al-Maidan has been raised with his congressional representative, Congresswoman Rosa L Delauro. Congresswoman Delauro along with Senators Christopher S. Murphy and Richard Blumenthal wrote a letter to the United States Department of State expressing their concern for Tagi’s safety and wellbeing. The State Department issued a reply earlier this week to Senator Blumenthal assuring them that Tagi’s case has been raised at the “highest levels” of Bahrain’s government.
لرجاء الضغط هنا لقراءة هذه الرسالة باللغة العربي
