BAHRAIN yesterday categorically denied claims that people have been arrested or imprisoned in the country for peaceful political activity.
The National Institute for Human Rights (NIHR) called on international organisations to validate and verify allegations and avoid publishing misleading information.
“The NIHR continues to co-operate with national and international bodies that work to promote and protect human rights,” NIHR chairman Ali Al Derazi said in a statement yesterday.
He confirmed the institute’s readiness to investigate any concerns raised.
“Access to healthcare for all citizens and residents, whether in court-ordered detention centres or within the community, is a protected constitutional right,” Mr Al Derazi said.
“The quality and standard of healthcare provided to inmates is the same as that provided to everyone else within the public health system.
“This includes diagnostics, medical treatment and special care as well as individual dietary requirements and rehabilitation services.”
He said Bahrain has implemented internationally recognised and effective safeguards to ensure that the rights of all prisoners are upheld.
Any inmate or their family can raise any concern with a number of independent oversight bodies – such as the NIHR – and receive a full and transparent investigation, he said.
“Agencies such as the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission and the Ombudsman conduct periodic inspections of prison conditions, including healthcare provisions, and they issue public reports and recommendations on their findings.
“No person in Bahrain has been arrested, or is in custody, because of peaceful political activity as freedom of expression is protected under Article 23 of the Bahraini Constitution.
“This includes the right to freedom of assembly and to organise demonstrations and marches.
“The Bahraini Press and Publication Law protects journalists and the independent Press freedoms and is only limited if public channels are used to incite, promote or glorify violence or hatred.”
Mr Al Derazi also added that Bahrain has made significant strides in human rights reforms as well as in protecting the rights of children through the Child Restorative Justice Law.
The country has also successfully combated human trafficking, upheld women rights, tackled discrimination and protected the rights of migrant workers, he added.
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