BCHR | Bahrain: Continuous harassment and targeting of Abdulhadi Al-Kh
 

22-01-13 06:21 PM

http://bahrainrights.hopto.org/BCHR/...sain_ahmed.jpg
22 Jan 2013
The Bahrain Center for Human Rights expresses it's grave concern about the constant targeting and harassment of families of human rights defenders and victims of extrajudicial killings. The latest case was the summoning of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja's son-in-law, Hussain Ahmed (22 years old), to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Hussain Ahmed, a former torture victim, received a summon for interrogation on Sunday 13th January 2013. Hussain Ahmed went with lawyer Abdullah Zainuddein to the CID on Monday 14th Jan 2013. Ahmed was taken into office 99 around 12pm, and interrogated by someone referred to as "Abu Faisal". The lawyer was not allowed into the room during the interrogation.
During the interrogation, "Abu Faisal" threatened Hussain Ahmed that they are monitoring him. He reportedly told Ahmed:
"This time we brought you in a respectful manner, next time you know how we can bring you in. If you go into hiding we'll find you. Instead of the 6 months you spent in prison, this time you will spend 6 years."
Hussain Ahmed was interrogated about his work as a graphic designer, and told that they know that he designs graphics about victims of extrajudicial killings. The fact that he is the son-in-law of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja was brought up in during the interrogation. The interrogator also made sectarian remarks. "Abu Faisal" reportedly told Hussain Ahmed:
"This time I'm being good to you, but I want you to know that when I put on my black mask they call me the beast. When I deal with you next time I will have you screaming torturer, torturer".
Hussain Ahmed was arrested on the 9th of April 2011 along with Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and Wafi Al-Majed, Al-Khawaja's other son-in-law. Ahmed was subjected to severe torture; physical, psychological and sexual. Amongst the types of torture he was subjected to:
1. forced standing for 4 days, while being beaten on the back with a hose
2. beaten with open metal handcuffs
3. have cold water thrown on him after they were keep in a extremely cold room
4. pulled from wrists which cause his wrist to be dislocated
5. head beaten against wall
6. inserting a hose into the anus
7. threatened to have his mother and sisters brought in
8. verbal abuse
9. allowed only one minute for bathroom, three minutes for showers; removed forcefully if takes longer
10. not allowed clothes, for two months wearing the same clothes
11. told he would be forced to testify falsely against his father-in-law, Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja, that he resisted arrested. Asked what he would say, if he doesn't say the right thing he would get severely beaten
Hussain Ahmed was subjected to enforced disappearance for more than two months after his arrest, and subjected to an unfair trial on the charges of: disseminating false information, inciting hatred against the regime and illegal gathering. He was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment.
Abdul-hadi Al-Khawaja's family have been the targets of constant harassment for many years. Among the cases of harassment and targeting was the arrest of his two sons-in-law for being merely related to the family, and subjecting them to severe torture. Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja's wife, Khadija Al-Mousawi, was sacked from her 10 year job, and his daughter Batool continues to be denied employment in the health sector in Bahrain.
Bahrain Center for Human Rights demands the following:
- End all forms of targeting and prosecution of relatives of political and human rights activists in Bahrain, and those affected be compensated for harassment.
- Respect ensured for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the right to privacy in all circumstances in conformity with international standards of human rights and international instruments ratified by Bahrain.


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