The Hope Center for Human Rights and Justice follows with deep concern the serious developments regarding the health condition of Mr. Hassan Meshimah (77 years old), based on his family’s statements and documented information indicating a severe and alarming deterioration in his health while in detention.
According to the family, Mr. Hassan Meshimah was transferred this morning by ambulance to the emergency department following a sudden deterioration in his health. However, he was later returned to his isolation cell in Muharraq on a wheelchair, in critical condition.
The family reported that he was speaking with great difficulty due to pain, his body was trembling, and he was unable to move. They also confirmed that he had suffered severe pain in the thigh area over the past few days, which worsened to the point of depriving him of sleep and exceeding his tolerance, especially given his advanced age and chronic illnesses, including diabetes.
The family expressed their astonishment at his being transferred in light clothing despite cold weather, in addition to being denied food and drink from the time he left for King Hamad Hospital in the morning until his return to isolation in Muharraq in the afternoon.
The doctor informed Mr. Hassan Meshimah of a “herniated disc” diagnosis, which had already been detected about a month and a half ago at the Military Hospital without informing him at the time, revealing a serious flaw in the handling of medical reports, even among the doctors overseeing his treatment in Muharraq.
The information indicates that Mr. Hassan Meshimah’s condition is extremely concerning, as the elderly man has been deprived of sunlight and the ability to exercise for more than four years, despite the availability of facilities and equipment at his detention location, effectively placing him in prolonged solitary confinement with serious physical and psychological effects.
Questions and Legal Responsibility
Hope Center asks:
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Why is an elderly man with chronic illnesses treated this way?
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Who bears responsibility for this medical neglect and disregard for his deteriorating health?
Continuing to detain Mr. Hassan Meshimah under these conditions constitutes a blatant violation of his right to health and a dignified life. It contradicts the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) and Bahrain’s international human rights obligations.
Hope Center Demands
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Immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Hassan Meshimah due to his advanced age and deteriorating health.
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Provision of urgent and specialized medical care, ensuring transfer to a suitable healthcare facility.
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Launching an independent and transparent investigation into the medical neglect and mistreatment he has endured.
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Holding the relevant authorities fully legally accountable for any harm resulting from this negligence.