Authorities have released information regarding the care of Abdulhadi Al Khawaja who is currently incarcerated at Jau Prison for his alleged role in an attempt to overthrow the Government early last year. Al Khawaja’s family has said that he is in his 55th day of a voluntary hunger strike in order to have charges against him dropped and be freed from incarceration.
The Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) who is responsible for overseeing the care of people being detained confirmed that Al Khawaja has been provided full medical care in accordance with regulations and when it was discovered that his blood pressure was low on Friday (March 30th) he was shifted to BDF Hospital for further assessment. Al Khawaja’s family was able to visit him while he was at the hospital, as well as after he had been returned to the detention center the next day (March 31st).
Records showed that Al Khawaja has lost approximately 10 Kgs and was showing signs of low hemoglobin (although not at a critical level) since prior to going on the strike that according to some sources has included varying reports of taking fluids, mineral supplements, glucose and juice on a daily basis.
On Tuesday (April 3rd) the Reformation and Rehabilitation Director recommended that Al Khawaja be transferred to the clinic of the Public Security Fort for constant medical observation and care. He has been in touch with his family since his transfer.
The Inspector General pointed out that in addition to his legal counsel and family members Al Khawaja has been allowed visits by the Danish Ambassador (where he maintains a permanent residence) in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His legal case is currently under appeal in the civilian courts.