Elderly HRDs face abuse and human rights violations in Bahrain

Item 3 ID with IE on older persons 12 September

On 13th September 2024, ADHRB delivered an intervention at the United Nation Human Rights Council session 57 under item 3 during the Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons. ADHRB highlighted the violations faced by elderly opposition leaders in Bahrain, including deliberate medical neglect.

Elderly prisoners of conscience have been in Bahraini prisons since 2011, some with life sentences. All of them faced violations documented by UN experts, including arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment, and denial of medical care.

Hasan Mushaima, a 76-year-old opposition leader with cancer, diabetes, heart issues, and kidney problems, is serving a life sentence in solitary confinement. Despite his deteriorating health, he has been denied treatment, and details of his condition are withheld from his family.

Dr. Abduljalil AlSingace, a human rights defender over 62 years old with chronic diseases, remains in solitary confinement, and the authorities refuse to provide him with medical equipment to alleviate his pain.

Due to torture and medical neglect, human rights defender AbdulHadi AlKhawaja faces several health complications, and his doctor has warned him of the risk of blindness.

A few days ago, the elderly detainee Mohamed Hasan Abdulla AlRamel was released. He was seen in a wheelchair after becoming unable to walk, showing evident pain from years of denied treatment.

When will Bahrain implement its obligations, address the recommendations, and allow UN delegations to monitor prison violations?