Families of The Detained 8 Call for Intensified Action

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The relatives of eight Bahrainis detained in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia since 29 Febuary 2008 has requested to intensify the pressure for the release of their relatives after spending prolonged period of time in solitary confinement after mistakenly entering a restricted military zone.

The brother of one detainee said that he met with the head of the Saudi Human Rights Organization Mr.Turky AlSudairy around a week ago who assured him that the organization is continuing its pressure and contacts with the concerned parties. Mr. AlSudairy also mentioned that there are currently no new information concerning the detainees, he also expressed his sincere hope that the issue will be resolved soon.

Mr. AlSudairy also mentioned that he read the report prepared by the Bahraini Embassy in Riyadh, which consisted of news articles taken from local newspapers in addition to letters from the relatives.

The Bahraini Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shaikh Mohammed Saleh reported that he had received letters of appeal from the relatives of the arrested eight and has forwarded all communication to the concerned authorities.

The First Secretary of the Bahraini embassy in Riyadh Mr. Mousa AlNouaimi has also confirmed that Bahraini Ambassador has forwarded the letters from the family members to the ministries of internal and external affairs and the principality of Riyadh.

For his part, MP Jalal Fairuz of AlWefaq bloc said that the relatives of the detainees have recently met with representatives of AlWefaq, which has exhibited and reviewed its efforts of reconciliation in the case of the detained eight pointing out that the relatives are fully aware of all formalities and official action in that regard.

Mr. Fairouz has also stated that AlWefaq will address the officials in high level on both the Bahraini and Saudi side to help speed the process, pointing out that he has personally met the Saudi Shura Council President during his last visits to Saudi who promised him that he will contact the concerned authorities to help move the case.

He has also confirmed that there has been no official information from the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the fate of the detained eight, stating that they are facing difficult conditions in their solitary confinement since they were arrested.

Mr. Fairouz also added that one of the AlWefaq members have recently met with the Saudi scholar Shk. Hassan AlSaffar who assured him after communication with the local authorities that it is only a matter of time before their release assuring the relatives that there was no charges filed against them yet.

Source:
AlAyam Newspaper
May 6th 2008