News / Persian Gulf

Bahraini political prisoners reject regime offer, extend hunger strike

Thursday, 31 August 2023 6:54 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 31 August 2023 6:54 PM ]

The undated file picture shows a view of inmates at the notorious Jau Prison, south of Manama, Bahrain. (Photo via social media)

Hundreds of political prisoners on hunger strike in Bahrain have turned down the Al Khalifah regime’s concessions to the inmates following a mass hunger strike in protest at degrading conditions at the notorious Jau Prison. They say they will extend their protest action.

“Based on conversations with prisoners following the Interior Ministry statement, it is clear that the hunger strike will continue until the government addresses their concerns seriously and in good faith,” Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, a human rights activist and director of advocacy at the Britain-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD), said on Thursday.

Alwadaei said prisoners are demanding an end to isolation of some inmates, increased daily open-air time, permission to hold prayers in congregation, amended visitation rules and access to more medical care and education.

Manama offers prisoners extra rights after ‘biggest’ mass hunger strike in Bahrain’s prison history

A hunger strike by hundreds of Bahraini political prisoners over jail conditions enters its fourth week.

The Bahraini Interior Ministry announced on Monday that it planned to double the daily outdoor time to two hours, increase the duration of family visits and review rates for phone calls after the hunger strike began on August 7.

While the BIRD said in a statement that 800 prisoners have joined the hunger strike, the Manama regime’s General Directorate of Reform and Rehabilitation (GDRR) claims only 121 inmates are participating.

The strike triggered nationwide protests, with thousands of Bahrainis taking to the streets to show solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners, calling for their immediate release.

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