Jail hunger strike three in hospital
By KANWAL TARIQ HAMEED
Published: 6 September 2006
THREE men who are on trial and in custody for five months on charges related to clashes with riot police have reportedly been hospitalised after collapsing while taking part in a hunger strike.
The men are being treated at the BDF Hospital, according to the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR).
The news follows claims by their relatives that they have been subjected to physical and verbal abuse in custody after participating in a hunger strike last month to protest their continued detention.
Jail hunger strike three in hospital
By KANWAL TARIQ HAMEED
Published: 6 September 2006
THREE men who are on trial and in custody for five months on charges related to clashes with riot police have reportedly been hospitalised after collapsing while taking part in a hunger strike.
The men are being treated at the BDF Hospital, according to the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR).
The news follows claims by their relatives that they have been subjected to physical and verbal abuse in custody after participating in a hunger strike last month to protest their continued detention.
They are among 19 men who are waiting for a verdict to be delivered by the court after being arrested in connection with clashes at the Dana Mall in Sanabis on March 10.
In the incident, scores of protesters rushed into the mall and its hypermarket, restaurant kitchens and other shops, pursued by police during a demonstration.
They were demanding the release of people jailed for an unauthorised demonstration at Bahrain International Airport and others detained since for protesting in support of them.
National Unemployment Committee member Moussa Abda’ali, 26, is said to be one of the three who have been hospitalised after taking part in the current hunger strike, which began last Friday.
“The defendants in the Dana Mall case have repetitively protested against prison condition and treatment, and have previously gone on a hunger strike which ended after security officials promised them better conditions and possibly, a speedy trial,” said BCHR vice-president Nabeel Rajab.
“According to Mr Abda’ali, these promises have not been kept, therefore since last Friday, he has renewed his hunger strike.
“Reports have been received that Mr Abda’ali has been moved to the BDF Hospital twice since the strike.”
The BCHR called for an “urgent intervention” on behalf of Mr Abda’ali, who they claim was being ‘targeted’ for his activities as a member of the Unemployment Committee.
Mr Abda’ali had also claimed last November that he was snatched by armed men in civilian clothing, who took him to a deserted area in Sitra, bound his wrists, abused him and threatened to hurt his family.
“The BCHR will be following the Dana trial, the next hearing to be held on September 14, and will relate details of the trial as it proceeds into its sixth month without witnessing any substantial development, and with no indication of any end in sight,” said Mr Rajab.
Seventeen of the 19 men being held are accused of participating in an unauthorised gathering, while the other two are accused of assaulting a security official during the clashes.
© Gulf Daily News