A/HRC/18/19
12.
The cases described in the report do not represent the totality of acts of intimidation
or reprisal against individuals or groups who seek to cooperate or have cooperated with the
United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. Indeed, in
some cases, it was not possible to report particular cases owing to specific security concerns
or because the individuals exposed to reprisals had explicitly requested that their cases be
not raised publicly. While in some instances these security concerns were related to the
specific circumstances of the case, in others, the security concerns illustrate a general
pattern of intimidation and harassment in a particular country. Moreover, such acts may, in
many instances be unreported owing to a lack of knowledge of the possibility of reporting
cases of reprisals or lack of access to appropriate means of communication.
13.
Almost all the information contained in the present report is also reflected in United
Nations public reports, including reports submitted to the General Assembly or the Human
Rights Council by the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner or by each specific
mechanism.
14.
During the period under review, information was received about acts of intimidation
or reprisal following cooperation with OHCHR, the Human Rights Council, the United
Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations, special procedures, treaty bodies and
the universal periodic review mechanism.
B.
Summary of cases
1.
Bahrain
15.
On 22 March 2011, several special procedures mandate holders sent an urgent
appeal6 concerning the situation of Abduljalil Al Singace, Hassan Mushaima, Abdul Ghani
Al Kanja, Abdulhadi Alkawaja and Nabeel Rajab. Mr. Al Singace is the head of the human
rights office of the Haq Movement. Mr. Mushaima is President of the Haq Movement. Mr.
Al Kanja is the spokesperson for the Bahraini National Committee for Martyrs and Victims
of Torture. Mr. Alkhawaja was, until recently, the Front Line protection coordinator for the
Middle East and North Africa region, and Mr. Rajab is the President of the Bahrain Centre
for Human Rights.
16.
On 17 March 2011, both Mr. Al Singace and Mr. Mushaima were arrested by the
Bahraini security apparatus. It is alleged that the arrests were made in the aftermath of a
security operation carried out by the security forces with the objective of removing
protesters from Pearl Roundabout, Manama. At the time when the communication was sent,
the fate and whereabouts of Mr. Al Singace and Mr. Mushaima were unknown.
17.
According to previous information received, on 13 August 2010, Mr. Al Singace
was arrested and detained upon his return to Bahrain from London, where he reportedly
spoke at the House of Lords about torture in Bahrain. Mr. Al Singace was put on trial for
being a member of an alleged terrorist network. During the trial, it emerged that Mr. Al
Singace had been allegedly subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment while in
detention. Mr. Al Singace was released from prison on 23 February 2011, in the wake of
civil unrest in Bahrain. However, it is reported that the charges against him have not been
formally dropped.
18.
On 15 August 2010, Mr. Al Kanja was arrested and detained in Bahrain upon his
return from London, where he and Mr. Al Singace had addressed the House of Lords on
torture in Bahrain. Mr. Al Kanja was also put on trial for being a member of an alleged
terrorist group. It is alleged that he too was subjected to torture and other forms of ill6
A/HRC/17/27/Add.1, paras. 191-205.
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