The Bahrain Center for Human Rights expresses its grave concern about the political activist Abdulwahab Hussain’s health condition. He is not receiving adequate medical care, which places his life at great risk.
Abdulwahab Hussain, a prominent Bahraini political activist, was sentenced to life imprisonment, and this sentence was upheld on appeal earlier this year. He suffers from several illnesses and is not receiving adequate treatment which puts his life at great risk. Hussain has been suffering from Paresthesia, and has difficulty moving the right side of his body. He was recently diagnosed recently as suffering from nerve damage. His doctors informed him that his movement will become even more difficult with time and he may suffer a relapse as he did several years ago, which required him seek treatment abroad. His condition is causing him great pain and the only treatment that he is currently receiving is strong painkillers. Hussain also suffers from cataracts, and after an operation he had to treat this illness – which was not successful – he now suffers from strong agitation in both of his eyes, and he must sunglasses at all time. In addition to this, his blood level is consistently low, which causes him constant dizziness; blood tests have not revealed the cause of this condition.
Abdulwahad Hussain and the other activist in the Bahrain 13 group of political prisoners have been subjected to going harassment and ill-treatment in addition to their politically motivated arbitrary arrest and long prison sentences following an unjust trial (read more: http://bahrainrights.org/en/node/6363). Many international organizations, as well as the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, called for their release and many reported the torture and ill-treatment they were subjected to and the baseless sham trial that led to their unjust sentences.
The BCHR urges the international community, and in particular the States and the United Kingdom, to call upon the Bahraini authorities to:
· Immediately and unconditionally release Abdulwahab Hussain, the Bahrain13 activists, and all other political detainees and human rights defenders in Bahrain.
· Provide Abdulwahab Hussain and other prisoners adequate medical treatment.
· Guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of detainees.
· Put an end to acts of harassment and targeting against all human rights defenders and political dissidents in Bahrain.
· Ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments ratified by Bahrain.
· Hold accountable all those responsible for human rights violations, especially those in high positions in government.