A United Nations expert called on Bahrain to immediately release 3 human rights defenders who have been detained for long periods because of their activities aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the country, according to a statement published today, Tuesday, on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights .
The statement said that “Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, whose detention was deemed arbitrary by the UN Panel on Arbitrary Detention, and Abdul-Jalil Al-Singace were sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges in 2011.” Read also UN team: 18 Bahrainis unjustly detained after mass trial A legal battle to activate the Magnitogorsk Act.. British lawyers demand European sanctions against Bahraini officials United Nations experts: Arbitrary arrest of minor Camille Juma in Bahrain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . British newspapers: Boris Johnson faces criticism for receiving the Crown Prince of Bahrain and for putting trade over torture
He added, “As for the third human rights activist, Naji Fateel, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2013 on charges of forming illegal organizations, which are reported to have worked to promote and protect human rights in Bahrain.”
Marie Lawlor, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of the three human rights defenders, said she had “received reports that Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja suffered fractures in his face, while Naji Fateel and Abdul-Jalil Al-Singace were placed in solitary confinement, with them denied basic medical care,” adding “The continued deterioration of their health in prison is deeply concerning. I urge the Bahraini state to conduct an impartial and independent investigation into their allegations of torture while they are in prison.”
The statement said that “other human rights defenders – such as Abbas Al-Omran and Ali Abdul-Imam – were tried in absentia and sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly forming an illegal organization and spreading false information. They were granted political asylum, and are currently residing outside the country, in 2012 and 2015. The Bahraini authorities revoked their citizenship.
“The criminalization of human rights defenders in retaliation for their legitimate and peaceful efforts to defend the rights of others in Bahrain is worrying, not only because of the negative impact on their lives and their families, but also because of the horrific impact it is having on the country’s civic space,” says Lawlor. The expert is still in contact with the Bahraini authorities regarding this file.
Ms. Lawlor’s comments were endorsed by Ms. Tlalang Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health; and Mr. Clement Nyaltsossi Foli, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.