HRW slams Bahrain over conditions in Jaw prison

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has blasted the Bahraini regime for conditions at its notorious Jaw Prison, calling on authorities to allow prisoners to contact their families

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has blasted the Bahraini regime for conditions at its notorious Jaw Prison, calling on authorities to allow prisoners to contact their families.

The rights group said in a statement on its website  that a number of prisoners have not contacted their families since a protest at the jail last month.

HRW said relatives of four inmates have spoken to its representatives, saying that they have not received any phone calls from them and have been told by police and prison officials that they cannot visit. The rights group noted that credible sources have reported that the number of these inmates who have not been in contact with relatives may be as high as 80.

On March 10, Bahraini regime forces fired birdshot at protesting prisoners in the facility and used tear gas against them. Local rights groups said the contributing factors to the protest include security’s use of excessive force against the detainees and poor prison conditions.

The notorious Jaw Prison, Bahrain’s central detention facility, is where the regime keeps hundreds of people behind bars only for participation in the peaceful protests against the kingdom.