Daily life in Bahrain: Arrests, Trials and Hunger Strikes

Three important dates to watch: 23rd of September: parliament bi-elections (two people have already secured seats due to not having opponents, or opponents withdrawing) and it is also the date being discussed on social networks as the date of “going back to the pearl square”. 28th of September: verdict in the appeal of the 21 political and human rights leaders. 29th of September: verdict in the case of the doctors and medics.

Bahrain: Update on arrests, trials, hunger strikes
13-09-2011 – Muslim News UK

Mahdi AbuDeeb, Head of the Bahrain Teacher’s Society, announced Sunday his hunger strike demanding charges against him be dropped and that he be released. He was arrested on April 6 and is now undergoing a military trial. Two sixteen-year-old boys were arrested 5 days ago, Kumail Mohammed AlGhadhban and Mohamed Ali Abbas AlAbbas. Both boys were allegedly subjected to torture and are currently in the prison hospital.

Ali AlMajed, 32 years old and a US citizen was arrested in Aali 5 days ago and is now in the hospital; we are concerned that he may have been beaten/tortured. Ali has been on hunger strike since his arrest demanding to meet with representatives of the US embassy. Fatima AlBaloushi announced that those hired temporarily to replace employees who had been sacked or arrested during the past few months, will be given permanent jobs. 37 of those hired have a degree no higher than intermediate (9th grade) or high school diplomas.

Mahdi Sahwan was re arrested Sunday after being released a month ago. In a protest today demanding the release of Mahdi Sahwan, 16 year old Ali Ebrahim AlHaiki was arrested. Mahdi Sahwan’s arrest comes amongst several other arrests which are starting to take place in a similar fashion of what we saw in mid-March until June; raids on homes at night. We estimate the current number of detainees to be around 400, with nightly arrests and releases.

Jaffar Abbas fell in court today during his hearing due to hunger strike. There are approximately 100 detainees still on hunger strike.

Five students who were expelled from the Bahrain Polytechnic have been summoned to go to the police station Monday morning.

Dr. Jahromi along with a few other professors and Drs, including Maitham AlSalman went on trial Monday. ….source