2010: Bahrain: Abdul-Jalil Alsingace
His Majesty Sheikh Hamad bin Issa Al-Khalifa
King of Bahrain
Office of His Majesty the King
P.O.Box 555
Rifa’a Palace
Kingdom of Bahrain
Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al-Khalifa
Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs
P.O.Box 450
Al-Manama
Bahrain
10. September 2010
Your Excellencies,
Activist arrested; fears of ill-treatment
Norwegian PEN’s Writers in Prison Committee is seriously concerned by the arrest of academic and human rights activist Dr Abdul-Jalil Alsingace, who has been held incommunicado since 13 August 2010. He is believed to be facing charges under national security and counter-terrorism laws, although it is widely believed that the charges are politically motivated and that he is targeted for his criticism of the Bahraini authorities. His arrest appears to be part of a crackdown on Shia activists in the run up to the forthcoming parliamentary elections. International PEN is alarmed at reports that he has been ill-treated and tortured in detention. Dr Alsingace is partially paralyzed from polio and requires assistance to walk, and there are mounting concerns for his well-being in detention. International PEN urges the Bahraini authorities to abide by their obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Alsingace and all those currently detained in Bahrain for the peaceful expression of their opinions.
Yours sincerely
Annaguli Yildam,
Member of Norwegian PEN, WiPC
