More than two years since the Government of Bahrain’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in the country, arbitrary arrests, injuries to protesters and politically motivated prison sentences continue. Numerous Bahrainis remain behind bars today, including more than a dozen prisoners of conscience.
With these injustices firmly in mind, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) announces the launch of a new campaign: Champions for Justice: Bahrain’s Prisoners of Conscience.
This campaign aims to raise awareness of those in political detention, as well as the broader problem of ongoing human rights violations—and impunity—that continues to be perpetrated by the Government of Bahrain. Each month, ADHRB will focus on one human rights advocate currently imprisoned in Bahrain. The first prisoner to be featured in ADHRB’s campaign is Dr. Abduljalil al-Singace, a mechanical engineer, prominent blogger, and human rights activist who has promoted human rights as a member and leader of multiple political societies, including Al-Wefaq and the Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy.
Dr. Singace was arrested in 2011 for his participation in the peaceful protest movement. During his initial detention, Dr. Singace was confined to a 1 x 3 meter cell and subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including forced standing, verbal and sexual assault, beatings, and prolonged solitary confinement. He was tried in the National Safety Court in June 2011 and sentenced to life in prison for allegedly plotting to topple the government.
On January 7, 2013, the case went to the Court of Cassation, where his life sentence was again upheld. Dr. Singace continues to be denied family visits and medical attention, despite the recent deterioration of his health.
During the month of November, ADHRB is asking all defenders of human rights to take part in highlighting Dr. Singace as a Champion for Justice by tweeting about him under the hashtag #BahrainPrisoner and changing their Facebook profile picture to the picture attached here (also available on our website). In the second half of the month, we ask that you write to your Member of Congress about Dr. Singace. Details, including template letters, will also be available on our website: www.adhrb.org.
Tuesday, November 12 | 12 – 130 pm
Munching on Human Rights: International Criminal Law (
RSVP)
American University
Washington College of Law Room 402
4801 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC
Wednesday, November 13 | 4 – 5 pm
What Should Think Tanks Do? (
RSVP)
The Woodrow Wilson Center
6th Floor
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC
Friday, November 15 | 9 am – 515 pm
Managing Transition, Containing Conflict: The Middle east in 2014 (
RSVP)
The Middle East Institute
Capital Hilton Hotel
1001 16th Street NW, Washington DC
Friday, November 15 | 10 – 1130 am
New Ways Forward for US Engagement with Bahrain (
RSVP)
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) | Human Rights First | The Stimson Center
Room 210
Cannon House Office Building, Washington DC
