Title: Over 800 Prisoners in Bahrain’s Largest Prison Launch Hunger Strike Amidst Calls for Human Rights Reforms
In a striking display of protest, more than 800 prisoners in Bahrain’s largest penitentiary initiated a hunger strike in early August. The prisoners, mainly political detainees, are demanding improved access to medical care and better living conditions. However, their hopes for change were quickly undermined when authorities failed to honor promises made during a pause in the strike.
The hunger strike was temporarily halted before Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s visit to Washington, as the government pledged to address the prisoner’s demands and initiate meaningful reforms. Sadly, within just one day of the strike being paused, officials reneged on their promises, according to Maryam al-Khawaja, a renowned human rights activist.
Of particular concern is the case of Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a prominent political prisoner and nominated candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite suffering from various health conditions, Abdulhadi has been persistently denied crucial medical attention and prescribed medication. The dire situation reached a breaking point when prison officials declined to transport Abdulhadi to his scheduled eye doctor appointment, leading him to resume his hunger strike.
Maryam al-Khawaja, despite facing her own legal battles, has resolved to travel to Bahrain in an impassioned plea for her father’s release. She has criticized the United States government for its perceived lack of pressure on Bahrain to implement tangible human rights reforms, highlighting the need for actions that extend beyond mere lip service.
It is particularly disconcerting that during Crown Prince Salman’s visit to Washington, the plight of Bahrain’s numerous prisoners was not even mentioned. The Crown Prince instead met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to sign a security agreement, raising questions about the prioritization of larger political and economic interests over basic human rights.
In conclusion, the hunger strike initiated by over 800 prisoners in Bahrain’s largest prison reflects an urgent call for improved medical care and living conditions. Despite a brief pause in the strike and promises of meaningful change by the government, officials swiftly reneged on their commitments. The situation was further exacerbated by the denial of essential medical treatment for distinguished political prisoner Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, leading to the resumption of the hunger strike. Maryam al-Khawaja’s determination to advocate for her father’s release underscores the lack of concrete action by the US government, which has been accused of prioritizing other political and security interests. The urgent need for lasting human rights reforms in Bahrain cannot be ignored, and the international community must rally behind the prisoners’ cause.
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