The Bahraini Authorities Arrest Prominent Activist and Victim of Torture
The Bahraini Authorities Arrest Prominent Activist and Victim of Torture
One Weeks Detention Pending Investigation for Insulting the Authorities and Slighting a Security Officer
Bahrain Center for human Rights
Ref: 07062700
The BCHR was disturbed to learn that the Bahraini authorities have arrested a prominent activist and previous victim of torture Mr. Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Jawad, 60 years, Sitra. Mr. Mohammed has been detained for one week pending further investigation. According to his son Mr. Hussain Jawad, previously the Vice-President of the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights, Mr. Mohammed was arrested on charges related to insulting the regime and slighting a police officer. The arrest, according to Mr. Hussain, happened following an incident at the Bahraini airport when Mr. Mohammed went to escort his wife and sister who were traveling abroad.
Mr. Mohammed Jawad is a known and active activist and previous victim of torture who had been arrested repetitively in the 1980′ and the 1990’s due to his political activities. His house was raided several times and him and his daughter, Ms. Ramla Jawad, 30 years, a human rights activist, were arrested, interrogated and tortured severely. Mr. Mohammed is still suffering from the side effects of that torture as he has partially lost his hearing abilities and is still suffering from problems with his back and legs due to spending hours hanging during interrogation. After his release Mr. Mohammed remained unemployed for almost twenty years due to being on the Interior Ministries black list.
Despite his old age, Mr. Mohammed is an active participant of most human rights activities held in Bahrain, such as those held by different human rights organizations, the Unemployment Committee, the Victims of Torture Committee and demonstrations and protests related to freedom and human rights.
The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights calls on the Bahraini authorities to release Mr. Mohammed Jawad immediately, and to take full responsibility should there be any deterioration in his health, in addition to insuring that he is not mistreating or charged wrongly due to his previous record.
