Report: Systematic Sectarianism in Prisons… Endorsed by the Khalifi Regime

The Instagram account “Teejan Al-Watan” published a report on the sectarian policy adopted by the Khalifi regime against members of Bahrain’s largest religious community, noting that this policy is reflected in the conduct of its mercenaries—particularly inside prisons.

The report cited testimonies from political prisoners describing the ugliness of the sectarian weapon used by the regime’s mercenaries during torture sessions—ranging from insults against the Imams (peace be upon them), revered figures, and religious rituals, to bans on holding religious commemorations in a country whose rulers boast of “religious coexistence” and “respect for freedoms.”

It pointed out that although this form of torture has somewhat declined recently, it remains on standby for use whenever deemed necessary.

The report stated that around five days ago, Shia prisoner of conscience Ali Dawood Al-Aradi was brutally assaulted while being transferred from the hospital back to prison after undergoing surgery. The mercenaries beat him on the head and face, attempted to strangle him, and tried to gouge out his eye—all for no crime other than defending his beliefs and religious figures.

Furthermore, one of those responsible for this assault was identified as “Fares,” a Syrian national from the Security and Protection Department at Jau Prison, who also participates in external operations. He works under the command of Ahmed Al-Emadi and Mohammed Al-Sheikh, and is notorious for his involvement in sectarian assaults against Shia detainees. He has even boasted about attacking the most prominent Shia figure in the prison, affirming that he will continue to “crush Shias wherever they are,” uttering these words without fear or hesitation.

Teejan Al-Watan’s report viewed this sectarian rhetoric as a model of discrimination and hatred within the prison, consisting of cursing and insulting the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), threats and intimidation, and obscene language—all with the full blessing of the Ministry of Interior, which pursues an official policy of incitement.

The report also highlighted the timing of this incident, coinciding with the announcement of the martyrdom of young man Abdullah Hassan Yusuf, and the eruption of public anger over the crime committed by the Ministry of Interior, which directly caused his death when Coast Guard forces deliberately rammed his boat carrying him and his companions. It added that the Ministry’s subsequent attempt to exonerate its personnel and blame the martyr’s companions, along with the arbitrary arrests of more than 20 young men from various areas for participating in the funeral and chanting for accountability, represents yet another attempt to silence free voices and grant impunity to criminals—while the so-called “King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance” remains entirely absent from these sectarian crimes.