Deterioration of Physical and Mental health of Bahrain Prisoner of Conscience Ayman Abdulshaheed

Bahrain: Serious concerns over the Deterioration of Physical and Mental health of a Prisoner of Conscience
17 November, 2012 -Bahrian Center for Human Rights

The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) expresses grave concern over the physical and mental well-being of the prisoner of conscience, Ayman Abdulshaheed. AbdulShaheed suffers from Hemophilia, a rare bleeding disorder that is life threatening if subjected to physical harm or injuries. Despite his illness, he was allegedly beaten violently during his arrest and interrogation. His mental health deteriorated rapidly while he was in custody and he has been in the psychiatric hospital for more than two months now. With no regard to his health and the evidence of his innocence presented by his lawyer to the authorities, Ayman is still kept in detention at the psychiatric ward.

Ayman Abdulshaheed, a father of a two-year old girl, was arrested on 11 June 2012. He told the BCHR that masked men broke in his apartment at 3 am and beat him violently in front of his wife and daughter. His lawyer, Hussain Aqeel, said that Ayman is accused of “illegal gathering, rioting, arson and attempted murder” [1] although there is no evidence convicting him. In contrary, there are photos, videos and witnesses proving that Ayman was not at or near the crime scene at the time of the incident; however, they were ignored by the public prosecution, according to Hussain Aqeel. He was ordered to 60 days in detention which was extended more than once. …more