Detainees Subjected to Assault Before and After Arrest
Urgent Action Requested
Ref: 00040600
16 March 2006
The detention of nineteen Bahrainis who were arrested on 10th March, including two human rights defenders, has been extended for two weeks. The arrest took place following the forceful dispersion by the Bahraini riot police of a set-in near Al-Dana Mall in Manama, calling for the release of the detainees related to “Airport Incident” (BCHR Ref: 16010605).
Detainees Subjected to Assault Before and After Arrest
Urgent Action Requested
Ref: 00040600
16 March 2006
The detention of nineteen Bahrainis who were arrested on 10th March, including two human rights defenders, has been extended for two weeks. The arrest took place following the forceful dispersion by the Bahraini riot police of a set-in near Al-Dana Mall in Manama, calling for the release of the detainees related to “Airport Incident” (BCHR Ref: 16010605).
Reports received by the BCHR accuse the authorities of unjustifiable use of excessive force against demonstrators and subjecting detainees to physical assault during and after their arrest The detainees were held incommunicado and denied medical treatment and clean clothes for 3 days and were reportedly threatened and mistreated during interrogations.
Moosa Abd-Ali, 24 years, Ekr village, has been reportedly taken to the hospital twice since his arrest, and his health continues to deteriorate as he continues his hunger strike. Mr. Abd-Ali is a human rights activist who in a previous case was kidnapped and assaulted by secret police(BCHR Ref: 04020603). Mohammed Mustafa Al-Kamel, has also reportedly been admitted to the Salmaniya Medical Complex for treatment as a result of a hunger strike.
Qanee Saleh Abdel-nabi, 26 years, Sitra, who is also among the detainees, is an elected member of “The Committee to Defend the Rights of Those with Inherited Blood Diseases” (CDRTIBD). He himself suffers from blood disease (sickle-cell) and needs special medical care to prevent episodes. His mother and brother were allowed briefly to visit him yesterday and they noticed swelling in his foot which is a sign of health deterioration.
We urge you to do whatever is in your power to intervene in order to secure the release and well-being of the detainees, and insure that they receive proper treatment and medical care and to insure a just and fair trial if their case gets turned to the criminal court.
Thanking you kindly for your continued cooperation and please do not hesitate in contacting us for any additional information.
Nabeel Rajab
Bahrain Centre for Human Rights