A total of 804 political prisoners incarcerated in Jaw prison in south-eastern Bahrain have been on a hunger strike since August 7, 2023, protesting against poor conditions in the prison. The movement has inspired calls for the prisoners' release and for King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, who has ruled as king since 2002, to step down. The FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke to two prisoners' relatives.
It's the largest and longest hunger strike in the kingdom's history. Since August 7, 804 political prisoners have declared a hunger strike to protest poor detention conditions. Nearly one-third of all inmates in Jaw prison, in south-eastern Bahrain, are participating in the strike. Their principal demands include more time out of their cells – currently limited to one hour per day – as well as access to proper medical care and the right to hold prayers in dedicated spaces.
