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Amnesty plea to probe jail claims
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 1st February 2008
AMNESTY International (AI) is demanding an independent investigation into claims that 14 men arrested last month for allegedly plotting to bomb targets in Manama have been mistreated in police custody.
In a letter to Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the organisation called for an immediate probe and for anyone found guilty to be brought to justice.
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Amnesty plea to probe jail claims
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 1st February 2008
AMNESTY International (AI) is demanding an independent investigation into claims that 14 men arrested last month for allegedly plotting to bomb targets in Manama have been mistreated in police custody.
In a letter to Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the organisation called for an immediate probe and for anyone found guilty to be brought to justice.
It also questioned why the men’s videotaped “confessions” had been broadcast on television, saying it undermined both the presumption of innocence and their right to a fair trial.
“If and when the accused are brought to trial, the court would need to consider very carefully the impact of the broadcast and other publicity incriminating the defendants and whether this made it impossible for them to receive a fair trial,” says the letter.
“As well, it would need to assess whether any ‘confessions’ which might be presented as evidence against the accused were obtained under torture or other duress, in which case they must be ruled inadmissible.”
The organisation also requested clarification on the reasons behind the detention of Haq Movement for Liberties and Democracy chief Hassan Mushaima and religious scholar Mohammed Al Moqdad.
They were arrested along with Haq media and international relations director Dr Abduljalil Al Singace in overnight raids on their homes on January 26.
Dr Al Singace was released the following day, but has been banned from leaving Bahrain, while the other two have been remanded in custody for 14 days.
The three men were allegedly detained for failing to appear at the Public Prosecution after being summoned for questioning.
“If the two are being held solely because of their non-violent political activities, including criticism of the government, AI would consider them to be prisoners of conscience and call for their immediate and unconditional release,” said the letter.
The organisation also called for all detainees to be humanely treated and have regular access to their lawyers, families and medical care, especially Mr Mushaima, who is understood to be diabetic and suffering from poor health.
The Public Prosecution said on Thursday that the families of Mr Mushaima and Mr Al Moqdad would be allowed to visit them in custody.
It also said the men would be looked at by a medical examiner on a daily basis to follow up their health and provide the necessary care.
The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights claims Dr Al Singace was interrogated before his release mainly about “sensitive” articles he published on the Internet, his activity in the unregistered Haq movement, his role in organising and leading public protests and unauthorised gatherings and his travels to the US and the UK – including his participation in seminars.
However, he has not responded to GDN calls.
The three men are understood to be facing charges that include: unlawfully joining groups with the purpose of hampering the implementation of the constitution, law and violating citizens’ personal freedoms with the intention to spread terror; promoting and instigating people to topple and change the political system by using violent means; inciting people to spread hatred against the ruling system; and financing and supporting a terrorist group.
All three men reportedly deny the allegations.
Their arrests have prompted sporadic clashes between police and protesters in several villages including Sanabis, Daih, Sehla, Jidhafs, Karzakan, Demistan and Malkiya.
The December 17 plot allegedly included ambushing policemen, destroying public property and attacking shopping malls, markets and hotels with homemade explosives. geoff@gdn.com.bh
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