On March 3, 2025, ADHRB delivered an intervention at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 58th session under Item 2 during the General Debate. ADHRB highlighted Bahrain’s continued reprisals against political prisoners in Jau Prison, who endure beatings, 24-hour handcuffing, isolation, medical neglect, and the denial of basic rights.
We express deep concern over Bahrain’s ongoing reprisals against political prisoners in Jau Prison, violating the Nelson Mandela Rules.
After political prisoner Husain Aman died on 5 December 2024 following years of medical neglect, prisoners protested their inhumane conditions. In response, authorities escalated reprisals, subjecting prisoners to beatings, 24-hour handcuffing, solitary confinement, isolation with foreign inmates, medical neglect, denial of religious rights, and deprivation of outdoor time, food, water, showers, clothing, and basic necessities, leading to skin diseases and other serious health issues.
One example is Rajaie Ali Baddaw, who is experiencing severe health deterioration, including chest tightness, irregular heartbeat, low blood sugar, and breathing difficulties, yet remains denied urgent medical care.
Moreover, prisoners are being denied the right to observe religious rituals, with authorities confiscating their religious texts, including the Quran. In February 2025, many were placed in solitary confinement and barred from family phone calls as punishment for holding religious commemorations.
We call on the Council to take urgent action to pressure Bahrain to end these retaliatory measures and adhere to the Nelson Mandela Rules.
