Today marks Abdulhadi Alkhawaja’s 63rd birthday. He is a Danish-Bahraini human rights defender who has spent 13 years in prison for his peaceful activism. HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement honors his unwavering commitment to human rights and renews the call for his immediate and unconditional release.
Abdulhadi Alkhawaja’s plight is not just his own; it echoes in the lives of his family, particularly his daughter, Mariam Alkhawaja. Mariam, a human rights activist herself, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. In the face of her health challenges, she continues to advocate for her father’s freedom, embodying the same resilience and determination that he has shown throughout his life.
Abdulhadi Alkhawaja’s health has deteriorated significantly due to his imprisonment. Reports indicate that he has been taken to the emergency room several times with urgent heart issues and has been denied access to a cardiologist. His situation is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights challenges within Bahrain’s prisons, where access to adequate medical care is not guaranteed.
The Bahraini representation in human rights has been under scrutiny, with international bodies expressing concern over the treatment of detainees and the lack of accountability for such abuses. As we mark Abdulhadi Alkhawaja’s birthday, we call upon the Bahraini authorities to align their practices with international human rights standards and ensure that all individuals, including Abdulhadi, receive the care and justice they deserve.
HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement stands in solidarity with Abdulhadi Alkhawaja and all those who fight for justice. We urge the Bahraini authorities to uphold human rights principles and release Abdulhadi, allowing him to celebrate his birthday with dignity and freedom.
