57 prisoners in Block 2 of Jau Central Prison in Bahrain have been on a hunger strike since October 4, 2023. This protest action is in response to the harsh conditions of detention and the failure to respect the basic rights of prisoners. The hunger strike initially began with 47 prisoners from Blocks 4, 5, and 6 and gradually increased to 57 as 10 more prisoners from Block 3 joined.
Concerns About the Health of Prisoners
Intisar Al-Sayegh, a Bahraini human rights activist, has expressed concern over the deteriorating health of several prisoners. According to information received from inside the prison, the blood sugar levels of some prisoners have severely dropped, and a number of them have fainted due to physical weakness. This alarming situation indicates the lack of access to necessary medical care for the prisoners.
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Al-Sayegh also reported that the provision of medical services to prisoners has been made conditional on the end of the hunger strike. This issue could affect the health of the prisoners, and she has called for immediate attention to this problem. According to her, no prisoner should be deprived of necessary treatment.
Prisoners' Demands and Conditions of Detention
The prisoners' demands include holding congregational prayers, access to books, medication, religious items, paper and pens, increased time outdoors, and more opportunities to contact their families. Additionally, the prisoners are calling for improved treatment and conditions of detention.
Al-Sayegh pointed out that Jau Central Prison has seven blocks and there have been complaints about the dilapidation of some facilities and the limited space in the cells. She has called for a thorough examination of the conditions of detention and the living environment of the prisoners, emphasizing that clean spaces with proper ventilation and in accordance with health and humanitarian standards must be provided.
Request for Attention to Prisoners' Situation
The Bahraini human rights activist has urged Bahraini authorities to take immediate action to protect the health of the hunger-striking prisoners and to provide necessary medical care without conditioning it on the end of the hunger strike. She has also called for serious dialogue regarding the prisoners' demands.
Al-Sayegh reminded that the deprivation of individuals' freedom does not strip them of their right to health, human dignity, religious practices, and proper treatment. She added that the prisoners' demands should be regarded as a legal and humanitarian issue, and officials should be held accountable for it.
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