Press release
Geneva – August 19, 2024
Independent human rights experts have issued a stern warning to the Bahraini government, urging immediate action to protect the rights and dignity of prisoners held at Jaw Prison.
This call follows alarming reports of deteriorating conditions at the facility, which have worsened since March 2024 following prisoner protests demanding better treatment.
Denial of Basic Human Rights:
The experts expressed serious concerns over allegations that prisoners are being denied essential medical care, adequate food, and safe drinking water. The situation is reportedly exacerbated by the shutdown of air conditioning in some prison buildings, exposing inmates to extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 50°C (122°F). The experts stated that “lowering standards as a form of punishment when prisoners exercise their legitimate right to complain is unacceptable,” emphasizing that such conditions amount to torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, which could be fatal for some detainees.
Isolation from the Outside World:
The situation has also seen increased restrictions on prisoner movement and a cutoff of communication with families, despite repeated assurances from local oversight bodies that conditions would improve. The experts warned that these measures must end immediately. They highlighted the particular risks faced by prisoners with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, kidney issues, and heart diseases, urging Bahraini authorities to fulfill their duty to ensure all detainees receive adequate healthcare, sufficient food, safe drinking water, proper hygiene, and necessary ventilation.
The experts called on the government to “restore appropriate conditions throughout Jaw Prison without delay” and appealed for meaningful dialogue between the government, prisoners, and their families to address and improve the situation.
