EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: MDE 11/08/95

Distr: UA/SC

10 May 1995

Further information (2) on 85/95 (MDE 11/02/95, 6 April 1995) - and follow-up(s): MDE 11/03/95 24 April 1995 - Arbitrary arrests/Fear of torture/Unlawful killings and new concern: Health

BAHRAINShaikh 'Abd al-Amir Mansur al-Jamri, aged 58

New name:'Afaf 'Abd al-Amir al-Jamri (f), aged 31, daughter of above

Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the health and safety of Shaikh 'Abd al-Amir Mansur al-Jamri, whose condition in detention is reported to have deteriorated significantly. He suffers from a heart disease and has reportedly been transferred to Bahrain's Military Hospital on three occasions since his arrest on 15 April 1995. He is also said to have suffered significant weight loss.

Shaikh al-Jamri and his family were placed under house arrest on 1 April 1995. Two weeks later, the house arrest order was lifted and he was transferred to an undisclosed location. He was deprived of all contact with the outside world until 9 May when one of his daughters, 'Afaf, was brought to al-Qal'a Prison in the capital, al-Manama, to see him. Shaikh al-Jamri, however, is believed to be held in solitary confinement at a detention facility in the town of Safira, the location of a police college and housing for military personnel. To date, he has not been charged or brought before a court.

During her meeting with her father, 'Afaf 'Abd al-Amir al-Jamri was reportedly beaten by women police officers. She was then taken into custody herself on the same day, and her current whereabouts are unknown.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

'Afaf 'Abd al-Amir al-Jamri is a mother of two children, aged seven and nine. Her husband, 'Abd al-Jalil Khalil Ibrahim, and her brother, Muhammad Jamil al-Jamri, are currently serving custodial sentences of seven and ten years respectively. Both were among a group of Bahrainis arrested in 1988 on charges including incitement against the government and alleged membership of a prohibited organization. Five were convicted by the State Security Court following unfair trials and their cases were taken up by Amnesty International.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express and airmail letters:

- expressing concern about Shaikh al-Jamri's condition and urging that he be granted immediate medical attention;

- expressing concern about his continued detention without trial and about the arrest of his daughter 'Afaf;

- urging that the exact whereabouts of both detainees be made known and that they be granted immediate and regular access to their families, lawyers and independent doctors;

- urging their prompt release unless they are to be charged with a recognizable criminal offence.

APPEALS TO:

His Highness

Shaikh 'Issa Bin Salman Al Khalifa

Office of His Highness the Amir

P.O.Box 555

The Amiri Court

Rifa'a Palace, Bahrain

Telexes:8666 Qasar BN; 8500 Qasar BN

Telegrams: His Highness the Amir, al-Manama, Bahrain

Faxes: +973 668884

Salutation: Your Highness

Minister of Interior

His Excellency

Shaikh Muhammad Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

P.O.Box 13, al-Manama, Bahrain

Telexes:9572 PSMKT BN or 8333 ALAMAN BN

Telegrams: Minister of Interior, al-Manama, Bahrain

Faxes: +973 276765 or 290526

Salutation: Your Excellency

Prime Minister

His Excellency

Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa

P.O.Box 1000, al-Manama, Bahrain

Telexes:9336 PROM BN or 7889 PMPO BN

Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES OF YOUR APPEALS TO: diplomatic representatives of Bahrain accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 21 June 1995.