On 26th September 2024, ADHRB delivered an intervention at the United Nation Human Rights Council session 57 under item 4 during the General Debate. ADHRB urged pressuring Bahrain to ensure transitional justice for former prisoners
We highlight the hardships faced by recently released political prisoners in Bahrain as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
Despite their release, these individuals have received no compensation for their years of detention or the violations they endured, including torture and medical neglect. Instead, they continue to face restrictions under Bahrain’s political and civil isolation laws.
One example is that of Jawad AbdulHadi Ali, who was denied the chance to complete his studies at the University of Bahrain due to the unjust requirement of a “good conduct” certificate, which former prisoners cannot obtain. Similarly, over 30 recently released prisoners have been denied the right to work, either for lacking this certificate or for lacking prior work experience, which is impossible given their long imprisonment, especially for minors.
More troubling, some recently released individuals were re-arrested, such as Fawaz AbdulNabi, who was re-arrested on 8 September 2024, just four days after his release, and held for 90 days due to statements made after his release.
We urge the Council to pressure Bahrain to end these arbitrary restrictions, repeal political isolation laws, and ensure reintegration and transitional justice for former prisoners.
