According to activists and opposition members, in Bahrain, over 400 political detainees, primarily of the Shia community, have initiated a hunger strike within the past day, protesting alleged inhumane conditions at a major prison facility.
Shia Islamist parties have urged the Bahraini government to release the “460 political prisoners” on hunger strike.
These actions come after the Jau Rehabilitation and Reform Center in southern Bahrain reportedly reduced visitation rights and prayer times.
This information was disclosed by Al Wefaq, a previously dissolved major Shia opposition party, in 2016, with several of its leaders currently facing terrorism charges by the Bahraini government.
Hussein al Dehi, deputy secretary of Al Wefaq, stated in a press release, “Rights are not up for negotiation but are to be achieved, and the hunger strike of political prisoners in Jau prison reflects the commitment to basic rights and dignity.”
Abdullah al Saleh, deputy secretary of the Shia group Al Amal al Islami, vocally demanded the immediate release of the detainees, highlighting that the issue concerns all Bahrainis.
So far, there’s been no response from the Bahraini government. Al Wefaq has planned a demonstration in support of the prisoners.
In the recent past, Shia Imam Mohamed Sanqur was arrested for discussing the prisoners’ condition at Jau prison during a sermon.
Bahrain, with a population of about 1.8 million, of which over 70% are Shia, has been the site of numerous protests since 2011, advocating for political reforms.
Since then, several international organizations have reported numerous instances of alleged torture, repression, and political or religious-based imprisonments.