The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) expresses its deepest concern over the tragic death of political prisoner Hussein Aman at Jaw Prison. This alarming incident sheds light on the deteriorating conditions faced by political prisoners in Bahrain and the urgent need for accountability and reform.
Hussein Aman’s Final Call for Justice
Before his death, Hussein Aman sent a desperate voice message, pleading for an end to what he described as a “slow-death policy” imposed by Bahraini authorities against political prisoners. His words highlighted the daily suffering endured by those unjustly detained in Bahrain’s prisons, where the denial of basic rights, including medical care and adequate living conditions, has become a systemic practice.
Following the news of his death, protests exploded inside Jaw Prison as prisoners demanded justice and better living conditions. These protests were met with alarming reports of excessive use of force by prison authorities. Family members of detainees, worried for information about their loved ones, organized protests across the country demanding communication with prisoners as calls from prisoners to their families have since been denied, deepening the emotional and psychological burden on both prisoners and their families.
Dire Conditions in Jaw Prison
The inhumane conditions at Jaw Prison have long been a point of international concern. Prisoners face overcrowding, unhygienic living conditions, insufficient medical care, inadequate nutrition, and the denial of access to phone calls and family visits. Reports of the use of force against protesting prisoners have only worsened these concerns, highlighting the urgent need for action.
BCHR reminds Bahrain of its obligations under international human rights standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), which set the minimum conditions for the treatment of prisoners. The current state of Jaw Prison falls far short of these standards.
Call for the Release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and All Political Prisoners
The Bahrain Center for Human Rights calls for the immediate release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, founder of BCHR, who has been unjustly detained for nearly 5,000 days. As a prominent human rights defender and advocate for justice, his continued detention is a stark example of Bahrain’s ongoing repression of civil society and human rights activism. His health has significantly deteriorated over the years due to poor prison conditions and the denial of essential medical care.
Nedal Al Salman, BCHR Director and Vice President of FIDH, emphasized the urgent need for reform, stating:
“The Bahraini authorities must immediately address the terrible conditions at Jaw Prison, ensure prisoners’ right to communicate with their families, and release Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja along with all political prisoners. Denying prisoners their basic rights is a grave violation of international human rights standards.
Recommendations
In light of these ongoing violations, BCHR calls on Bahraini authorities to take the following urgent actions:
- Release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and All Political Prisoners – End the arbitrary detention of all individuals imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
- Restoration of Communication with Families – Allow prisoners to make regular phone calls to their families, as this is a fundamental right guaranteed under international law.
- Improvement of Prison Conditions – Bring prison conditions in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules, including access to adequate healthcare, nutrition, and hygienic living conditions.
- Accountability for the Use of Force Against Prisoners – Investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the use of excessive force against protesting prisoners.
- Medical Care for Prisoners – Provide timely and adequate medical treatment to all prisoners, ensuring they receive care from qualified health professionals.
Appeal to the International Community
BCHR urges the international community, including governments, human rights organizations, and UN mechanisms, to press Bahraini authorities to end the ongoing mistreatment of political prisoners. We call on the United Nations, the European Union, and Bahrain’s key allies to demand the release of prisoners of conscience and ensure that Bahrain complies with international human rights obligations.
The death of Hussein Aman should be a turning point for the Bahraini government to reconsider its policies on political prisoners and prison conditions. Without immediate reform, the suffering of prisoners will continue, and more lives may be at risk. BCHR remains committed to advocating for the rights of prisoners and calls on Bahraini authorities to act now to prevent further tragedies.