EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: MDE 11/03/90

Distr: UA/SC

UA 463/90 Legal Concern15 November 1990

BAHRAIN : Ahmad al-Maqabi

Hussein al-Tattan

Hadi al-Musawi

The three people named above were arrested in June 1989 and held in incommunicado detention for several months, during which they were allegedly subjected to torture to make them confess to membership of an unauthorized organization.

The three were brought to trial before the Civil Supreme Court of Appeal, whose procedures fall short of international standards for fair trial.

On 7 November 1990 the court reportedly acquitted Ahmad al-Maqabi, Hussein al-Tattan and Hadi al-Musawi of all the charges against them, but they have remained in detention since that date. It is not known whether they face new charges or whether they are now being held under the 1974 Decree Law on State Security Measures which permits detention for up to three years without charge or trial.

Amnesty International believes the three men may be prisoners of conscience, held solely for the non-violent expression of their political beliefs. If this is so they should be released immediately and unconditionally.

Bahrain has neither signed nor ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Telexes/telegrams/airmail letters:

- expressing concern about the continuing detention of these men after their reported acquittal;

- urging that, if they are being held solely for the non-violent expression of their conscientiously held beliefs, they should be released immediately and unconditionally;

- seeking information about their present legal status, and assurances that they have access to lawyers and members of their family.

APPEALS TO:

His Excellency

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Minister of the Interior

PO Box 13

Police Fort Compound

Manama

STATE OF BAHRAIN

Telexes : 8333 ALAM BN; 9425 ATLAS BN

Telegrams: Interior Minister, Manama, Bahrain

His Excellency

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalid al Khalifa

Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs

PO Box 450

Government House

Government Road

Manama

STATE OF BAHRAIN

Telegrams: Justice Minister, Manama, Bahrain

COPIES TO:

His Excellency al-Sheikh Mohammad Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa

Minister of Foreign Affairs

PO Box 547

Government House

Government Road

Manama

State of Bahrain

and to diplomatic representatives of Bahrain in your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 15 December 1990.