Together for Justice strongly condemns the death of Bahraini national Mohammed Abdulmohsen Mohammed Al-Mousawi (32), who died while in the custody of the Bahraini authorities only days after his arrest. The organization holds the state fully responsible for his death and considers the incident a grave violation of the right to life and the absolute prohibition of torture under international law.
Al-Mousawi’s death occurred while he was under the control of state authorities, which bear a legal obligation to ensure the safety and physical integrity of all detainees. The presence of injuries on his body, which the authorities have acknowledged, alongside the testimony of his family alleging torture, raises serious and credible concerns regarding the circumstances of his treatment while in detention.
Background and Arrest
According to information provided by his family, Al-Mousawi was arrested at a checkpoint along with several others, including religious chanter Ahmed Al-Mousawi, and subsequently taken to an undisclosed location. During this period, his family was not informed of his whereabouts, nor was he allowed to communicate with them.
Days later, the family was contacted by the authorities and instructed to collect his body from the military hospital. They reported visible injuries on his body and stated their belief that he had been subjected to torture during his detention. The family also indicated that they were asked by security authorities not to publish images of the body or make public statements regarding the cause of death.
Al-Mousawi had previously spent over a decade in prison on charges related to political activity before being released in 2024 as part of a broader release process. His recent re-arrest took place within a context that appears to carry political implications.
Official Response
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Al-Mousawi had been detained by the National Intelligence Agency in connection with allegations of communicating with and transferring information to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The authorities stated that his arrest was based on a warrant; however, no judicial ruling had been issued against him at the time of his death.
While the authorities did not deny the presence of injuries on his body, they asserted that the circulated images were “inaccurate” and intended to provoke public reaction. They further claimed that the injuries were not related to torture, without providing a detailed or independent medical explanation for their cause.
The Ministry announced that the case had been referred to the Special Investigation Unit under the Public Prosecution to examine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Assessment and Legal Implications
Together for Justice emphasizes that any death occurring in custody engages the direct responsibility of the state. Under international human rights law, authorities are required not only to refrain from torture and ill-treatment, but also to protect detainees from harm and ensure accountability where violations occur.
The detention of Al-Mousawi in an undisclosed location without contact with his family raises concerns consistent with patterns of enforced disappearance, even if temporary. Such conditions significantly increase the risk of abuse.
The acknowledgment of injuries, combined with the absence of a transparent, independent forensic explanation, reinforces concerns that Al-Mousawi may have been subjected to ill-treatment while in custody. The reliance on unproven allegations to frame the case does not diminish the state’s responsibility, particularly given that the detainee had not been convicted of any offense at the time of his death.
Broader Context
This incident occurs within a broader context of heightened security measures in Bahrain amid regional tensions. Reports indicate increased scrutiny of religious figures and public discourse, including the summoning of clerics for questioning over the content of sermons.
Additionally, dozens of individuals have been referred to trial on charges related to espionage, often in proceedings lacking transparency. According to documented sources, at least 164 individuals have been arrested in recent months, with only a small number released, while the majority remain in detention. These arrests have included individuals involved in peaceful activities and expressions of opinion.
The death of Mohammed Al-Mousawi in custody raises serious concerns about the treatment of detainees and the adequacy of safeguards against torture and ill-treatment in Bahrain.
Together for Justice calls for a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death, including a full forensic examination conducted by an independent body. The organization further calls for accountability for any individuals found responsible and for concrete measures to ensure the protection of all detainees.
Failure to address such incidents with transparency and accountability risks further undermining confidence in the justice system and deepening concerns about the state of human rights in the country.