Opposition parties have released a statement following on from allegations by prisoners in Bahrain’s dry dock prison of mistreatment.
Statement below:
Opposition parties demand the Bahrain regime immediately ends its vengeful collective punishment against the detainees in Dry Dock Prison
The regime in Bahrain is continuing it’s vengeful practices against opposition members and followers, all across Bahrain. We have received worrying news about a wide campaign of mistreatment against the prisoners of Dry Dock Prison.
In a letter from the prisoners to the people of Bahrain, they described the many violations committed by the police inside detention camp number 9. The letter says they have faced sexual harassment, brutal beatings, verbal abuse and religious discrimination. In addition, their regular visits have been deliberately delayed and they have been denied necessary medical treatment.
We, the opposition parties, express our deep concern regarding the awful conditions in Dry Dock detention camp, which violates the basic human rights of prisoners, guaranteed by the international treaties signed by the Bahrain government.
These claims from the prisoners warrant an immediate inspection visit that must be conducted by local and international human rights organisations. This inspection should look into all allegations of mistreatment and should involve direct interviews with the prisoners.
An investigation should also take place to address the discrimination of beliefs and religion faced by the prisoners. The prison administration personnel who commit such violations must be brought to justice to guarantee that this dangerous situation is stopped.
The violations taking place in Dry Dock Prison make clear to the international community the systematic and repressive security strategy practiced by this government. This government has no respect to either the findings of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry; in terms of implementing it’s recommendations, nor the international human rights treaties.
Long live a free and democratic Bahrain
16 March 2012
· Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society
· National Democratic Action Society (Waad)
· Nationalist Democratic Assembly Society
· Alekha National Society
· National Democratic Assemblage (Unitary)
