A/HRC/25/60/Add.2
competent authorities to undertake a prompt and impartial investigation wherever there are
reasonable grounds to believe that torture has been committed, and article 7 of the
Convention Against Torture, which requires State parties to prosecute suspected
perpetrators of torture. The Special Rapporteur calls on the Government to undertake a
thorough, impartial and independent investigation into the allegations of torture and illtreatment and to take all necessary measures to protect the right of Ms. Al-Musawi and Ms.
Al-Asfoor to physical and mental integrity. If the investigation leads to the identification of
responsible parties, to hold them accountable and to provide full redress to the victims,
including fair and adequate compensation and as full rehabilitation as possible. The Special
also encourages the Government of Bahrain to continue its engagement with the mandate.
(f)
JUA 04/10/2013 Case No. BHR 7/2013 State reply: 05/11/2013 Alleged torture in
detention and sentencing of blogger and human rights activist.
20.
The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Bahrain for its reply, dated 5
November 2013, to this communication in reference to allegations concerning the
sentencing of Mr. Naji Fateel, a blogger and board member of the Bahrain Youth Society
for Human Rights (BYSHR), to 15 years imprisonment, reportedly in connection with his
human rights activism. Mr. Fateel was the subject of a previous communication dealing
with serious allegations of torture against Mr. Fateel while in detention. The Special
Rapporteur appreciates the reply received to this communication from the Government on 5
June 2013 but expresses concern that the allegations of torture were not adequately
addressed. According to the new information received, Mr. Fateel has been sentenced to 15
years imprisonment under the Anti-Terrorism law on charges that had been previously
dropped, and allegations of torture during interrogation in the Criminal Investigations
Directorate (CDI) have continued, along with reports that photographic evidence of torture
exists. In its reply, the Government reiterates the charges brought against Mr. Fateel and
makes reference to evidence, including confessions, in support of his sentence. The
Government also provides that an appeal in Mr. Fateel’s case was scheduled to be heard on
18 November 2013. With regard to the complaint of torture and ill-treatment, the
Government submits that Mr. Fateel was visited and interviewed in prison after lodging a
complaint in May 2013, and that the interview revealed that he had previously been referred
to a forensic physician during his questioning by the public prosecutor, who found no signs
indicating ill-treatment. Although the Special Rapporteur appreciates the reply of the
Government, he reiterates article 12 of the Convention Against Torture (CAT), which
requires the competent authorities to undertake a prompt and impartial investigation
wherever there are reasonable grounds to believe that torture has been committed, and
article 7 of the CAT, which requires State parties to prosecute suspected perpetrators of
torture. In this context, the Special Rapporteur expresses concern that the allegations of
torture and ill-treatment were not adequately addressed and would appreciate more
complete information concerning the investigation into the allegations and their results. The
Special Rapporteur encourages the Government to continue its engagement with the
mandate. He also wishes to remind the Government of its obligation to provide full redress,
including fair and adequate compensation, and as full rehabilitation as possible to all
victims of torture or other ill-treatment.
(g)
JAL 26/11/2013 Case No. BHR 8/2013 State Reply: 23/01/2014 Allegations of arbitrary
detention, torture and ill-treatment.
21.
The Special Rapporteur thanks the government of Bahrain for its reply, dated 23
January 2014, to this communication in reference to allegations of arbitrary detention,
torture and ill-treatment. The communication detailed allegations of arrest, detention, ill
treatment, and intimidation of Ms. X and her sister. It is alleged that law enforcement
officers arrested Ms. X and her sister at their home following Ms. X’s participation in a
15
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