International Shia News Agency

Al Wefaq’s Human Rights: official rights institutions failed Jaw prisoners

SHAFAQNA –  The Liberties and Human Rights Department (LHRD) in Al Wefaq National Islamic Society issued the following statement on 22nd March 2015: “The Liberties and Human Rights Department (LHRD) in Al Wefaq National Islamic Society is receiving tens of complaints from families of inmates at the Jaw prison, each day.

Families’ concerns are growing as the prison’s administration has banned all phone-calls and visits to the prisoners since reports of an alarming police attack on the inmates circulated  on the 10th of March 2015. Complainants said the prisoners have been subjected to torture, mistreatment and reprisal. Many have also sustained injuries from police attack with tear gas canisters and birdshot.

The prison’s administration has not been clear on the reason for which it has banned communication and visits to the inmates.

The families said their official complaints to the Ombudsman Office have been useless and demanded authorities to allow them to see their relatives in prison.

In the shadow of such circumstances, the LHRD expresses deep concern over the situation of the inmates at the Jaw prison and considers the ban of communication and visits a blatant violation to fundamental human rights ensured by the law, in addition to aforementioned abuses.

The Ombudsman Office, National Institute for Human Rights and General Inspector at the Ministry of Interior must all act to reveal what is happening inside the prison and reassure families of the safety of their sons and relatives. The abuses against the inmates must be immediately stopped”.

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