Bahrain Mirror: Amnesty International called for keeping in mind the courageous Bahraini doctor who spoke out against the abuses committed in Bahrain, Dr. Ali Al-Ekri, urging his fellow medical professionals to sign an open letter calling for his immediate release.

The organization said in a statement: "Five years ago, people in Bahrain rose up in protest to demand reform, but were met with violence from security forces.  Doctors, nurses and paramedics were arrested, detained, and tortured for treating injured protesters. Dr. Ali Al-Ekri is still in prison five years on."

"Bahraini security forces violently repressed the uprising, scores of peaceful protestors were arrested, beaten and shot, others were tortured and imprisoned after grossly unfair trials. Since then, the authorities have continued to arrest, torture and intimidate people who speak out," it further stated.

"Five years ago in March 2011, forty-eight doctors, nurses and paramedics were arrested for doing their job, treating injured protesters and speaking out against the atrocities. Dr. Ali Al-Ekri was arrested while he was in the middle of operating on a child. He is a consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon. He was tortured and beaten with metal rods, plastic hoses and wooden planks, kicking, punching and slapping with an emphasis on the face and back," Amnesty added, noting that Al-Ekri said: "I was also sexually molested and threatened with rape...I was deprived of sleep for a week and every time my eyes closed I was woken by loud shouts or cold water being poured on me; and forced to sign a confession."

"He is the only medical professional left in prison. Originally sentenced to 15 years in prison, it was reduced to 5 years' imprisonment after a grossly unfair trial. He will not be released until March 2017! Every day he is behind bars, he fears he's losing his much needed medical skills," the organization highlighted.

It further said: "Five years on, let's not forget about this courageous doctor in Bahrain who spoke out against the abuses in Bahrain, and who provided much needed medical care to injured protesters."

"Dr. Ali Al-Ekri trained side by side with Irish doctors. Now is the time for his fellow medical practitioners to stand in solidarity with him.  We are calling on medical professionals to sign an open letter calling for his immediate release," Amnesty concluded, urging to show support for Dr. Ali Al-Ekri this week on Twitter.

Arabic Issue