BHRC has published an open letter to the King of Bahrain calling for a review of the convictions and sentences against Sayed Nazar Naama Baqqer Ali Yusuf Alwadaei, Hajar Mansoor Hasan and Mahmood Marzooq Mansoor.
The defendants are close relatives of Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, the founder of the London based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD). Alwadaei was granted refugee status in the UK in 2012 after being tortured and sentenced to six months in prison by a military court. He continues to protest against the Bahraini government, and it is believed that the prosecution of his family are politically motivated.
Grave concerns have been raised by lawyers in the case regarding the fairness of the criminal proceedings these three individuals have been subject to, including allegations of evidence obtained by torture being used to convict them. Alwadaei, Hasan and Mansoon were each sentenced to three years in prison on 30 October.
In its letter, BHRC reminds the King of Bahrain, Shakh Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa, that the arrest, detention and mistreatment of Mr Alwadaei’s family as a response to Mr Alwadaei’s human rights work is clearly in breach of Bahrain’s international obligations.
BHRC calls upon the Bahraini government to investigate the allegations of torture as required by international law and to stay the sentences of Alwadaei, Hasan and Mansoon until a full and proper investigation is complete.
You can read the full letter here.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
- For an interview with our spokesperson, please contact Amanda June Chadwick, Executive Officer, on +44 (0)7854 197862
- The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) is the international human rights arm of the Bar of England and Wales, working to protect the rights of advocates, judges and human rights defenders around the world. The BHRC is concerned with defending the rule of law and internationally recognised legal standards relating to human rights and the right to a fair trial. It is independent of the Bar Council.
