A team from the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC) conducted an unannounced inspection visit to “Jau” Reform and Rehabilitation Centre on Saturday August 25, 2023.
The team conducted the visit as part of the PDRC’s mandate under Decree no. 61 of 2013, which grants the independent commission the jurisdiction to monitor and assess inmate conditions in the Kingdom’s detention facilities, as well as provide recommendations to improve inmates’ conditions based on the principles and standards approved by the Supreme Judicial Council in 2014.
The PDRC stated that during the visit, the team listened to testimonies regarding the reported hunger strike at the Reform and Rehabilitation Centre. The PDRC team independently interviewed a random sample of inmates to ensure privacy, documenting the inmates’ concerns regarding their treatment and the healthcare services provided to them.
The PDRC stressed that none of the inmates interviewed declared experiencing any mistreatment, and all inmates interviewed have confirmed the availability of increased healthcare services for all, although some inmates have refused receiving healthcare services, treatment or medical supervision.
They also stated that they continue to enjoy all other rights related to their regular daily activities, including the alternative sentencing and open prisons programs, in accordance with the centre’s rules and regulations.
The team also listened to the demands presented by the inmates on hunger strike, which included extra outdoor time, extended visitation hours, and a wider circle of eligible family visitors.
The Commission’s delegation affirmed that they would present these demands to the relevant authorities to make appropriate decisions and approvals in accordance with the rights of individuals and the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution Law Promulgated by Law No. (18) of 2014.
The Commission’s team also added that they have met with the management of the Reform and Rehabilitation Centre, where they were briefed on the steps and procedures taken by the management to deal with the inmates on strike and the healthcare provided to them.
The team stated that records and surveillance camera footage indicated that the regular three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) were provided to all inmates without exception. These meals had sufficient nutritional value and were delivered by the building coordinator (an inmate selected to handle administrative matters and living arrangements within each building).
The PDRC team added that the facility’s management also provided additional items for purchase in the canteen, noting that there was a recent hike in purchases, especially of juices and snacks.
The Commission’s team also gathered field information by inspecting the facility and the building designated as a makeshift clinic specifically for the inmates on taking part in the protest, in cooperation with the Government Hospitals.
The PDRC noted that the clinic is equipped to receive and treat cases with qualified medical staff assigned to examine all inmates on strike on a daily basis.
The investigating team highlighted that the doctors at the center stated that most of the inmates who declared their hunger strike refused to undergo these routine medical examinations, and there were no critical or urgent cases that required their transfer outside the facility for treatment.
The Commission’s delegation also visited the general medical clinic at the centre, which is administratively affiliated with the Government Hospitals, to assess the continuity of providing comprehensive healthcare services to all inmates around the clock, ensuring their health and general well-being. The working medical staff and the medical protocols regarding the hunger strike were discussed.
The Commission’s team reviewed relevant documents, including signed statements from the inmates on hunger strike. They also requested access to surveillance camera footage from some cells, but it was found that some inmates who are taking part in the protest had damaged the cameras, making their behavior and how they dealt with the meals provided to them unverifiable.
The PDRC affirmed that, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, including the management of the Jau Reform and Rehabilitation Centre, it will spare no effort in monitoring the conditions of all inmates, including those who have declared taking part in the strike.
The Commission also noted the observations expressed by the inmates, which can be utilized to propose executive recommendations to improve certain administrative procedures in a manner consistent with the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution Law and its executive regulations, with the aim of enhancing the development programs of the Ministry of Interior in reform and rehabilitation centers, and reinforcing the values of human rights within them.
Source: Bahrain News Agency