The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) is deeply troubled by the passing of Hussain Khalil, a 31 year old victim of torture, at the Rehabilitation and Correction Center. His death occurred on 26 March 2024, reportedly after he lost consciousness during exercise, as stated by the Bahrain Ministry of Interior in an official announcement. [1]
Hussain Khalil, apprehended on 27 May 2017, from his residence in Diraz on charges of sheltering wanted individuals, recounted instances of severe torture endured at a National Security Service-affiliated interrogation facility. Forced to sign a coerced confession under duress, Khalil was subsequently sentenced to fifteen years behind bars. Throughout his incarceration, Khalil repeatedly voiced concerns regarding medical neglect by prison authorities, despite grappling with various chronic ailments including hypertension, dermatological issues, visual impairments, and hernias. In a recorded testimony from 03 March 2024, Khalil lamented the denial of essential medical care, underscoring his plea for rightful access to healthcare services. [2]
Notably, the systematic practice of treatment denial and procrastination in medical attention has persisted within the Correction and Rehabilitation Center’s administration for years, contributing to the untimely demise of numerous inmates. The Bahrain Center for Human Rights, alongside other international entities, has consistently highlighted this concerning policy, a matter underscored by the tragic demise of the deceased detainee.[3]
Medical negligence leading up to Hussain Khalil death
As per accounts relayed to the Bahrain Center for Human Rights by eyewitnesses present alongside detainee Hussain Khalil during his passing, an ambulance attendant from the Rehabilitation and Correction Center Clinic (affiliated with government hospitals) arrived at the scene ten minutes after his collapse, devoid of a first aid kit. Contrary to established protocols and principles of first aid, the prisoner received no immediate medical treatment before being conveyed to the ambulance. The identities of these witnesses remain safeguarded to ensure their protection.
Following the prisoner’s demise, protests ensued among hundreds of inmates at the Rehabilitation and Correction Center, denouncing what they termed as a policy of “slow death.” Their demands included the release of detainees with chronic illnesses and the elderly, safeguarding prisoners’ rights to medical care, and an end to collective punishment and systematic medical negligence. [4]
In response, the prison administration on 28 of March 2024 retaliated by prohibiting “suhoor” meals and severing electricity and sewage access to select buildings, ostensibly as reprisal for the peaceful demonstration staged at the cell gates.[5]
The Bahrain Center for Human Rights is concerned about potential violent reactions from the prison administration, particularly in light of past incidents of sit-ins where excessive force and tear gas were used, resulting in serious injuries among prisoners in 2015. .[6]
In response, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights urges the Bahraini authorities to take the following actions:
- Immediately release all prisoners detained for expressing their opinions.
- Initiate an independent investigation into any potential medical negligence leading to the death of Hussain Khalil, holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
- Ensure accountability for the failure to protect prisoners’ lives.
- Adhere to Bahraini law and international human rights conventions, specifically Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, guaranteeing the right to medical care.
- Ensure the availability of a fully equipped clinic with qualified medical staff round the clock, ensuring swift response to emergency situations
[1] The announcement of the death of Hussain Khalil. (n.d.). Minsitry of Interior .Ministry of Interior on X: “Reformation and Rehabilitation documents the moment inmate Hussain Khalil Ebrahim Kadhem fell unconscious while playing football, as the hospital announced his death after he was transferred to it by ambulance. https://t.co/yRpCLJ8kMk” / X (twitter.com)
[2] Live testimony from the deceased about being denied treatment, published in March 2024. (n.d.). Salam for Democrac Y and Human Rights .SALAM DHR on X: “.@moi_bahrain: The death of an inmate (Hussein Khalil, 32 years old) with a history of illness. An audio recording of the victim a few days ago complaining of intentional medical negligence https://t.co/12zam8Va0N” / X (twitter.com)
[3] Bahrain: Death of prisoner a warning for Covid-19 failings in Jaw Prison. (2022, August 8). Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/06/bahrain-death-of-prisoner-a-warning-for-covid-19-failings-in-jaw-prison-2/
[4] Staff, A. (2023, April 7). Bahrain authorities subjecting prisoners to “slow death” by not providing treatment and health care, Al-Khawaja states. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain. https://www.adhrb.org/2023/04/bahrain-authorities-subjecting-prisoners-to-slow-death-by-not-providing-treatment-and-health-care-al-khawaja-states/
[5] Bahrain: UN expert alarmed by health of human rights defenders in prison. (n.d.). OHCHR. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/09/bahrain-un-expert-alarmed-health-human-rights-defenders-prison
[6] A. (2015, March 12). NGOs condemn the violent attack on Prisoners at Bahrain Central Prison Jaw. BCHR. https://bahrainrights.net/?p=7004