Health of Saudi Shia human rights defender deteriorates following his release from prison

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Since his release from prison on 18 July 2011, the health of human rights defender Hussein Abdulla Al Yusuf has rapidly deteriorated. He underwent two separate operations for a spinal injury which has left him bed-bound. It is believed that the first operation was unsuccessful and led to severe nerve damage and serious complications including bleeding. While in detention, Hussein Abdulla Al Yusuf was allegedly subjected to ill treatment which compounded his spinal injury apparently sustained during previous detentions in Saudi Arabia.

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Front Line has been informed that while in detention, Hussein Abdulla al Yusuf was held in both solitary confinement in freezing cells, and in overcrowded cells with as many as 30 other prisoners. It is reported that during one particular interrogation session, Hussein Abdulla al Yusuf was attacked by prison officers, one of whom kicked him violently in the area of the back where he now suffers from a spinal injury. The attack followed a altercation between him and the interrogator who allegedly harassed and intimidated him. His spinal injury was further compounded by a denial of medical care while in detention. It is reported that Hussein Abdulla al Yusuf was transferred to various detention centres in a prison van. During such journeys, his hands and legs shackled and he was forced to lie on the floor of the van while travelling at a high velocity on roads of poor quality.

Hussain Abdullah al Yusuf works in promoting the rights of the Shi'a Muslim minority in Saudi Arabia and has attended peaceful demonstrations in Safwa. It is reported that he has written articles on the Shi'a news site. He was arrested by Saudi police on 27 April 2011.

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