In a collective call to action, 31 human rights organizations have urged the European Union (EU) to seek the release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and Sheikh Mohammed Habib Al-Muqdad, two individuals who have been arbitrarily detained in Bahrain for nearly 14 years. The joint letter issued last Friday emphasizes the EU’s role in engaging with the Bahraini authorities to secure their immediate release.
The letter highlights the continued detention and maltreatment, including torture and lack of medical care, faced by Mr. Al-Khawaja and Mr. Al-Muqdad, who were detained in the aftermath of the 2011 Bahrain uprising. This uprising was fueled by persistent grievances over issues such as systemic discrimination, corruption, and injustice, as highlighted by various international entities. The duo belongs to a broader group of human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, and activists who were apprehended during that period.
Urging direct engagement with the King of Bahrain, the letter critiques the EU’s recent Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy 2023 for presenting what the organizations deem as a misleading image of Bahrain’s human rights and democracy situation. While the report notes improvements in social, economic, and women’s rights, it does not address the ongoing human rights violations, particularly concerning political opposition.
The signatories call for coordinated efforts with Denmark and Sweden, as both Mr. Al-Khawaja and Mr. Al-Muqdad are EU nationals. The letter also insists on the necessity of conducting human rights impact assessments before establishing agreements with Bahrain and urges the EU to accurately report on the country’s human rights status. Furthermore, it appeals for the abolition of the death penalty in Bahrain as part of meaningful reforms.
This plea comes amid longstanding concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain, a nation under the rule of the Sunni Al-Khalifa family since the 18th century. Over the years, numerous organizations have voiced their disapproval of the alleged systemic abuses and violations within the nation.