This is a second attempt to get the attention of the powers in Bahrain, regarding Professor al-Singace. This academic has been imprisoned under inhumane conditions for over ten years, for allegedly blogging about a lack of freedom in Bahrain. He has been tortured, his family has been threated, and he is attempting hunger strikes to get their attention. We ask for his release and for appropriately humane treatment.
Article links with references:
1. Amnesty International
2. The Times of India
3. Press TV
4. Middle East Eye
5. Scholars at Risk
6. Human Rights Watch
August 25, 2022
Shaikh Hamad bin ‘Issa Al Khalifa
Office of His Majesty the King
P.O. Box 555
Rifa’a Palace, al-Manama
Bahrain
Fax: +973-1766-4587
Your 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 around the world.
We are writing to you, again, about an urgent matter concerning the prisoner Abdul Jalil Abdulla al-Singace. He is a frail yet devoted academic who was arrested 12 years ago, on August 13, 2010.
Al-Singace suffers from several ailments, including post-polio syndrome, eyesight issues, arthritis, and tremors. More than 400 days ago, on July 21, 2021, he went on a hunger strike in protest of the confiscation of his research work. Since then, his already precarious condition has diminished significantly. The medical care afforded to al-Singace has been demonstrably inadequate: an MRI was performed in October 2021, but he has still not been informed of the results. Yet, a necessary CT scan is scheduled to be performed at King Hamad Military Hospital, which is the same hospital that never followed through on the MRI results.
Al-Singace’s dire current condition is the key reason why the Committee is urging you to release him. A family member has stated that al-Singace is cold and pale, and that he trembles. These are symptoms of someone who is critically ill. He must be given immediate medical attention.
The choice to release al-Singace would be a uniquely important sign of strength, and a precious gift to his family and the scientific community. We urge you to do so, as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Cc:
Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa
General and Ministry of Interior
P.O. Box 13, al-Manama, Bahrain
Fax: +973 1723 2661
Email: info@interior.gov.bh
Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa
Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs
P. O. Box 450, al-Manama, Bahrain
Fax: +973 1753 1284
Antony J. Blinken
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520 USA
Phone: 1 (202) 647-4000
Twitter: @ABlinken
Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa
H.E. Ambassador
Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain
3502 International Drive, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Fax: 1 202 362 2192
Email: ambsecretary@bahrainembassy.org
Maggie Nardi
Chargé d’Affaires
U.S. Embassy Manama
Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331,
Zinj
P.O. Box 26431
Manama – Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (+973) 17 242700
Fax: (+973) 17 272594