Statement on the Conditions of Detainees in Jau Central Prison – Bahrain

Salam for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR) calls on the Bahraini government to stop the ongoing and severe violations against detainees in Jau Central Prison, which have escalated following the death of the detainee Hussein Aman. We are receiving disturbing testimonies from within the prison and allegations that require a serious and transparent investigation to hold the perpetrators of these violations accountable.

Information emerging from Jau Central Prison since the death of detainee Hussein Aman on December 6, 2024, indicates that the prison administration has taken harsh, arbitrary measures that reflect systematic targeting of political detainees. The violations have included the following: deprivation of food and water, physical assault, medical neglect, and deprivation of all essential prisoner rights —visits, treatment, hygiene, and care— this deliberate denial constitutes a blatant violation and abandonment of human rights and legal obligations.

According to our monitoring and through eyewitnesses from inside the prison, detainees in Building 7 have issued distress calls via loudspeakers, reporting that they have been deprived of food and water for 13 days, with no medical care provided to those in need. Security forces also carried out extensive and violent raids on Buildings (8, 9, 10) using batons, tear gas, and pepper spray. These raids coincided with power and water cuts, which increased the suffering of the detainees.

Physical injuries of varying severity were documented, including a detainee (H) who sustained serious injuries due to severe beating on his head.

SALAM DHR calls on the Bahraini government to urgently intervene to stop these violations, practices and unlawful acts. SALAM also urges the government to allow prison visits by human rights organizations and international bodies, most notably the International Red Cross and UN special rapporteurs.