On 26 september, ADHRB has delivered an oral intervention at the United Nation Human Rights Council session 48 under item 4 to call on Bahrain to unconditionally release all political prisoners.
Madame President,
The ongoing detention of leading human rights defenders and political leaders is yet another sign that the Government of Bahrain does not respect its international commitments. Despite being a member of the Human Rights Council the Bahraini government continues to violate its own citizens’ rights to self-determination. The people of Bahrain cannot change their government peacefully and those who have called for free and fair elections have been arrested and imprisoned for life.
I would like to cite two specific cases:
Firstly, Hasan Mushaima, the leader of the political opposition in Bahrain who has been calling and advocating for democracy in Bahrain for decades. He was arrested in March of 2011, subjected to severe torture and now suffers from many medical complications. He stated in a recent recording from his prison that the government is subjecting him to a slow death campaign.
Secondly, Dr. Abduljalil Alsingace, is a leading human rights defender, blogger, and academic. Dr. Alsingace conducted a country-wide workshop, training Bahraini youths on UN mechanisms. He was arrested for his human rights activities and subjected to severe torture and degrading treatments at the hand of the Bahraini government.
Mr. Mushaima and Dr. Alsingace are just two examples of the price Bahraini political leaders and human rights defenders pay for their advocacy in Bahrain. We call on the council to hold Bahrain to its international commitment and pressure Bahrain to unconditionally release all political prisoners and allow for the Special Rapporteur on Torture to visit the country.
