This year, 2024, marks the 34th anniversary of the UN’s International Day of Older Persons and it is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people -who according to UN 2021 statistic count 761 million persons aged 65 or over – make to society and to also raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing in today’s world.
Considering that, and in Bahrain, older persons still imprisoned must be a priority not forget that those elderly were imprisoned for expressing their rights of opinion that were or are contrary to those of the governments. Today in Bahrain there are around 60 prisoners above 60 years old who are held solely for political reasons.
On June and September of this year, Bahrain announced the release of more than a 1000 prisoners, either received royal pardons or were given alternative sentences. The releases so far have excluded opposition leaders, political activists– many of whom are older, with some also having underlying medical conditions. So continuing the imprisonment of elderly Bahraini prisoners for exercising their right to opinion is a pressing human rights issue. We call for their immediate release and for a broader commitment from the Bahraini government to uphold and respect the rights of all its citizens. It is essential to promote an environment where free expression is celebrated, not punished, and where every individual, regardless of age, can contribute to the discourse on their country’s future.
Our list includes and is not limited to prisoners who some are above 70 and most above 60 or approaching 60 soon like:
- Abdulhadi Al Khawaja 63
- Sh Ali Salman 59
- Hasan Mushaima – 75
- Mohamed Habib Al Miqdad
- Albuldwahab Hussain – 69
- Abdulla Al Mahroos
- Sh Abdul Jalil Al Miqdad
- And more
Reuniting those elderlies with their families and communities and restoring what is left of their lives is crucial. The potential of older persons is a powerful basis for sustainable development. More than ever, we must listen to their voices, suggestions and ideas to build more better societies.
Nedal AlSalman, director of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, says’’Now, more than ever, we must stand together to call for the release of elderly prisoners in Bahrain. These individuals, who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice and human rights, deserve compassion and freedom. Their voices matter, and their rights must be upheld. It is imperative that we recognize their humanity and prioritize dialogue over repression. The release of these prisoners is a crucial step toward healing and reconciliation in our society.”
In conclusion, the continued imprisonment of elderly Bahraini prisoners for exercising their right to opinion is a pressing human rights issue. BCHR calls for their immediate release and for a broader commitment from the Bahraini government to uphold and respect the rights of all its citizens. It is essential to promote an environment where free expression is celebrated, not punished, and where every individual, regardless of age, can contribute to the discourse on their country’s future.