Dr. al-Singace, formerly the head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Bahrain is now serving a life sentence for his political and human rights activism. He is in need of medical care.
CCS has requested that the authorities in Bahrain assure that such is provided to him.
February 7, 2017
Shaikh Hamad bin ‘Issa Al Khalifa
Office of His Majesty the King
P.O. Box 555
Rifa’a Palace, al-Manama
Bahrain
Fax: +973-1766-4587Your Majesty:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We write today to express our concerns for Dr. Abdul Jalil al-Singace. Dr. al-Singace, who had been the head of the department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bahrain, is serving a life sentence in Jau Prison for his political and human rights activism.
While we are concerned that Dr. al-Singace has been sentenced for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression and association, our immediate concern is for his physical health. Dr. al-Singace suffers from Polio, which manifests itself in heart, sinus, and eye problems. His prolonged detention, combined with harsh treatment that has reportedly included repeated torture, has exacerbated this condition. Additionally, we have learned that he may have sickle cell disease, musculoskeletal problems and ruptured ear drums.
We have received reports that he needs to see a hematologist because his blood count is low, and that he has been denied access to visits from family and friends.
It is urgent and imperative that you take all actions necessary to stabilize the deteriorating health of Dr. al-Singace, and that he be allowed all medical treatments necessary to do so. It is also vital that he be allowed visits from family and friends, and that any illegal ill-treatment or torture that is taking place cease at once. We ask, further, that his case be addressed in a manner consistent with internationally recognized standards of due process, fair trial and detention, in accordance with Bahrain’s obligations under International Law.Thank you for your attention to this most serious matter, and we look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich,
Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander GreerCo-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Copies to:
Ambassador H.E Shaikh Abdulla Mohamed Al-Khalifa
Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain
3502 International Drive NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 1-202-342-1111 I Fax: 1-202-362-2192
Email: ambsecretary@bahrainembassy.org
Take Action: Write a Letter
- Ensure Dr. Al-Singace’s right to medical care and family visits (Scholars At Risk)