The Freedoms and Human Rights Unit in Al Wefaq National Islamic Society expresses grave concern after number of families complained that they have not been contacted by their detained relatives. The Unit points out that according to international covenants, which Bahrain is a signatory to, this is categorized under forced disappearance and violated the rights of detainees.
The family of Mohammed Kadhim, who was detained early this month, said they have not received a single phone call from him. The family approached several police stations, as well as the Criminal Investigations Department, but has not been given any information regarding his whereabouts.
The Unit notes that the families of detainees experience grave concerns when they are deprived from communication with their detained relatives. the family of Ibrahim Mashkoor only received a short phone call to inform them that he is alive.
These documented cases are of detainees in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Department where the detainees are deprived from communicating with their families. In these cases, lawyers were not allowed to attend interrogation sessions whether in the Public Prosecution Office or police stations.
The Unit calls on the concerned apparatuses to allow all detainees to contact their families and inform them on their whereabouts and health conditions.
Hiding such information raises doubts of subjecting the detainees to torture and cruel treatment given the appalling practices of the security authorities and which were documented by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.
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