Bahrain’s Suppression: Maryam Al-Khawaja’s Quest for Justice Thwarted

Suppression of Human Rights Advocacy in Bahrain: Maryam Al-Khawaja’s Struggle For Justice

A Shameless Attempt to Silence Advocacy

Today, the world witnessed yet another shameless attempt by the Bahraini authorities to silence human rights advocates and stifle any criticism of the country’s human rights violations. Maryam Al-Khawaja, a prominent activist and daughter of Danish-Bahraini human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, was barred from boarding a British Airways flight to Bahrain, where she intended to pressure the authorities to release her detained father. This oppressive act by the Bahraini authorities is not only a violation of international human rights standards but also an absolute disregard for justice and the rule of law.

The Authorities’ Utter Disregard for International Human Rights Standards

The decision to prevent Maryam Al-Khawaja and the accompanying human rights delegation from traveling to Bahrain paints a clear picture of the Bahraini authorities’ utter disregard for international human rights standards. Just yesterday, Bahrain‘s Crown Prince pretended to uphold these standards during his trip to Washington D.C. However, this recent incident sheds light on the truth behind their words and exposes the hypocrisy of their actions.

Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, rightly calls out this travesty of justice, stating that Maryam’s denied right to freedom of movement, including the right to return to her own country, is completely unjustifiable. The Bahraini authorities’ continued arbitrary detention of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja for the past 12 years solely for peacefully exercising his human rights further emphasizes the severity of the situation.

The Plight of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja

Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, a human rights defender, has been a victim of Bahraini authorities’ repression since 2011, when he was detained for playing a leading role in political protests against the monarchy during the Arab Spring. His arrest was accompanied by torture, which has resulted in deteriorating health, chronic pain, glaucoma, and cardiac arrhythmia. Despite being documented as a torture victim by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, established by King Hamad Al-Khalifa, Abdulhadi has been denied proper medical treatment.

In solidarity with other inmates at Jaw Central Prison, Abdulhadi embarked on a fasting protest on August 9, 2023, demanding improved conditions such as better medical care and visitor access. His fasting has further exacerbated his cardiac condition, leading to emergency hospitalizations. Although the mass hunger strike was halted due to promises of improvement, Abdulhadi resumed his fast after the prison administration canceled his appointment with an ophthalmologist. These actions reflect the grim reality faced by Bahraini prisoners of conscience who languish in prison with little regard for their well-being or legal rights.

International Outrage and Demands for Action

Various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Front Line Defenders, and ActionAid Denmark, have expressed their outrage at the Bahraini authorities’ continued suppression of human rights advocacy. Timothy Whyte, Secretary General of ActionAid Denmark, urges the Danish government and the global community to take resolute action to protect human rights. He emphasizes the importance of using all diplomatic means to pressure Bahrain to release Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and condemn his detention publicly.

A Call to End the Travesty of Justice

The international community must rally together and demand an immediate end to the travesty of justice unfolding in Bahrain. The Bahraini authorities must release Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, along with the 11 other Bahraini prisoners of conscience who unjustly suffer behind bars.

The Danish government, in particular, holds a unique position to exert diplomatic pressure and advocate for Abdulhadi’s release, given Maryam Al-Khawaja’s Danish nationality. It is crucial for the Danish government to use its platform to condemn Bahrain‘s ongoing violations of human rights and to stand in solidarity with human rights defenders.

Conclusion

The denial of Maryam Al-Khawaja and the human rights delegation’s right to travel to Bahrain is a clear indicator of the Bahraini authorities’ fear of public scrutiny and their blatant disregard for international human rights standards. The international community, led by governments such as Denmark, must take decisive action to protect human rights and demand the immediate release of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and all other Bahraini prisoners of conscience. The voices of these brave individuals should not be silenced, and their struggle for justice and freedom must be heard around the world.

Resistance-bahrain,suppression,maryamal-khawaja,justice,quest