Skip to main content

Bahrain's Hunger Strike Prompts Prisoner Rights Debate Amidst International Scrutiny


 

Bahrain's authorities are grappling with a widespread hunger strike that has led to significant unrest both within the country and beyond its borders. As a response to this extensive and concerning situation, Bahraini officials have unveiled plans to expand prisoners' rights, encompassing longer visiting hours and outdoor privileges. The hunger strike, touted as the most substantial in Bahrain's history, began at Jau prison in August and has ignited uncommon street demonstrations along with international attention.

While Bahrain's interior ministry aims to address the issue by extending visitation and outdoor durations, the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) asserts that this approach has yet to quell the hunger strike involving approximately 800 participants. The strike is particularly poignant due to its inclusion of dissidents who were incarcerated during the 2011 Shiite-led uprisings. Activists and human rights organizations view the authorities' response as insufficient, with BIRD's advocacy director, Sayed Alwadaei, expressing skepticism about the timing and efficacy of the offered changes.

READ MORE: How is Bahrain handling the Massive Hunger Strike?

Despite the Bahraini government's assertion that only 121 inmates are engaged in the hunger strike, the dispute underscores the nation's delicate balance between its strategic partnership with the United States and its human rights challenges. Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has previously faced censure for its human rights practices. The hunger strike has thrust this issue into the international spotlight, prompting human rights organizations to call for heightened attention to the plight of the hunger strikers and their demands for better medical treatment, education access, and religious practices within the prison environment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exposing the Brotherhood: Why Jordan’s Terror Cell Bust Must Spark a Global Policy Shift

 The recent dismantling of a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror cell in Jordan should not be seen as just a national security success—it must be a turning point in how the international community views and responds to the threat posed by the Brotherhood. Jordanian security forces uncovered an elaborate network of terrorists trained in Lebanon and backed by foreign interests. Their mission: to launch attacks using rockets and drones, destabilizing the Kingdom and spreading fear among civilians. This is not the work of activists or political dissidents—this is terrorism, plain and simple. For too long, the Muslim Brotherhood has operated under a false image of moderation, cleverly navigating between political activism and violent extremism. But the truth is clear: the Brotherhood is the ideological engine room of jihadist terrorism. Its members, affiliates, and offshoots have inspired and directed acts of violence from North Africa to the Gulf—and now, once again, in Jordan. Govern...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah: A Fusion of Heritage and Opulence

  The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Diriyah, known for its cultural and historical value, usher in a new age of opulent living. In the center of Diriyah, this partnership between the Diriyah Company and Marriott's Ritz-Carlton establishes a previously unheard-of benchmark for luxurious living. Inspired by the Najdi legacy, the houses offer occupants a distinctive and immersive cultural experience by skillfully fusing traditional charm with contemporary facilities. These villas prioritize well-being and create a pleasant environment for dynamic living. They are designed to adapt to varied tastes and lifestyles, with six unique layouts and a range of interior designs. Part of the Diriyah Company's ambitious development plan, The Ritz-Carlton Residences are located in the heart of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site including At-Turaif as its focal point. The objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 are perfectly aligned with this concept, which has over 20,000 residential units...
Post a Comment
Read more

UAE's Foreign Trade Surge Highlights Strategic Economic Vision

  The UAE's foreign trade reached a record AED5.23 trillion (US$1.42 trillion) in 2024, marking a 49% increase since 2021 and reinforcing its global economic influence. Despite fluctuating global market conditions, the country managed to post a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion (US$134 billion), showcasing the strength of its trade frameworks and diversified economy. According to the World Trade Organisation, the UAE has maintained its position as the Middle East and Africa's foremost trade community since 2014, while steadily climbing the global ranks. In merchandise trade, the UAE placed 11th in exports and 14th in imports in 2024. It contributed 2.5% of global exports and 2.2% of imports, reflecting a robust trading ecosystem that bridges major global markets. The services sector also delivered notable gains. From 2014 to 2024, the UAE rose to 13th globally in service exports. Service transactions in 2024 totaled AED1.036 trillion, of which AED646.6 billion were exports. The...
Post a Comment
Read more