Joint Statement by EBOHR and SALAM: Worries regarding health and safety of Dr. Al-Singeece after 100 days of hunger strike

Joint Statement by EBOHR and SALAM:
Worries regarding health and safety of Dr. Al-Singeece after 100 days of hunger strike
Brussels – 29 June 2015

The European-Bahraini Organisation for Human Rights (EBOHR) and SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM) articulate their collective worries regarding the health and safety of Bahraini activist, Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace, who has entered his 100th day of hunger strike.

Dr Al-Singace first commenced the strike on 21 March 2015 in protest against the state of Jaw Prison in Bahrain and the inhuman and degrading treatment and human rights abuses carried out inside against political prisoners. Such abusive treatment has reportedly intensified in the last months since the protests in Jaw Prison.

Dr Al-Singace has been detained in a small room inside the Al-Qal’a Hospital since the 10th day of his hunger strike, and has been denied from using hygiene items, to repair his broken glasses, or to read books or newspapers. His son has attempted to bring personal items to him but has been prevented from doing so, with all items confiscated and visits barred.

Further, Dr Al-Singace has been harassed in the hospital, with pictures taken of him when he changes his clothes. Note that Dr Al-Singace is a paraplegic, and operates using crutches and wheelchair.

EBOHR and SALAM demands of the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and Bahrain’s allies to execute the swift release of Dr Al-Singace, who is a prisoner of conscience, and to provide him with the necessary treatment, aswell as inform his family of his well-being.

EBOHR and SALAM also demands of these countries and bodies to exercise their powers to stop torture and inhuman and degrading treatment inside Bahrain’s prisons and detention centres, and to hold accountable all those implicated in human rights violations.