The Bahrain Center for Human Rights expresses its grave concern over the wellbeing of Ali Abdulla Saad, a 28 year old man suffering from visual impairment, who was detained from Al Daih village after his house was raided at dawn and he was arrested without a warrant. His family did not hear about him until 5 days after his arrest.
On the 14th of May 2013, a group of security forces in civilian clothing raided the home of Ali Abdulla Saad at 3.20am and he was arrested without a warrant. His family inquired with the authorities numerous times about his whereabouts but with no avail. Five days later, Ali called his family and only managed to say he was fine before the line was cut. Ali Saad was previously arrested in Sep 2010 and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on political charges after which he was released in Feb 2011 on a royal pardon due to start of the mass pro-democracy protests. During his previous detention Ali was reportedly subjected to severe torture with electric shocks and hanging and beating all over his body. (see: http://bahrainrights.org/en/node/3543 ) According to his family, Ali suffers from chest inflammation and mental illnesses. The family, as well as BCHR, are concerned are raised about his wellbeing and health. Charges and reasons behind Ali’s arrest are not yet known. Ali lost sight in both eyes after a car explosion in 2009 as per a medical report.
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Bahrain is signatory to the UN Convention of the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities since June 2007. Detaining Ali Saad is in violation with a number of articles, including article 14 which states that “States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others: (a) Enjoy the right to liberty and security of person; (b) Are not deprived of their liberty unlawfully or arbitrarily, and that any deprivation of liberty is in conformity with the law, and that the existence of a disability shall in no case justify a deprivation of liberty.” And article 15, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights calls on the international community and the governments of the US, UK and other close allies of Bahrain to put pressure on the Government of Bahrain to immediately:
- Release Ali Abdulla Saad and all other people of disability including human rights activist, AbdulJalil Al Singace
- Allow Ali to contact his family and lawyer and update them of his case and well-being
- Provide adequate medical care for prisoners
- Put an end to illegal house raids, arbitrary arrests and detainment without a court issued warrant