Watan – In a bold move that has caught the attention of human rights organizations worldwide, Maryam Al-Khawaja, daughter of the distinguished Bahraini human rights activist, Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, has announced her intention to return to Bahrain. She is joined by a cohort of international activists this Friday, aiming to amplify calls for her father’s release from prison.
![Bahraini oppositionist Abdul Hadi Al-Khawaja, detained in Bahraini prisons](https://www.watanserb.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bahraini-oppositionist-Abdul-Hadi-Al-Khawaja-detained-in-Bahraini-prisons.jpeg)
Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, a former head of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights and a Danish national, is currently serving a life sentence for his role in pro-democracy protests in Bahrain in 2011. Maryam has expressed her concerns about her father’s deteriorating health, emphasizing his urgent need for medical treatment and highlighting his ongoing hunger strike.
In a video circulated on social media platforms, Maryam acknowledges the risks of her return, stating, “I know coming back means I might end up spending the rest of my life in prison.” Residing primarily in Denmark, she emphasizes her commitment to raising awareness about her father’s case.
![Hundreds of prisoners organize the largest hunger strike in Bahrain](https://www.watanserb.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hundreds-of-prisoners-organize-the-largest-hunger-strike-in-Bahrain.jpeg)
Human rights groups have rallied behind Maryam, with figures like Agnes Callamard, the Secretary-General of Amnesty International, and Olaf Moor from Front Line Defenders expressing their support.
Zainab, another daughter of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, informed Reuters that her father resumed his hunger strike after authorities denied him a specific medical appointment. The Bahraini government, however, refuted claims of Abdulhadi’s hunger strike, asserting that he has repeatedly declined regular medical check-ups.
Tensions in Bahrain’s prisons have escalated amidst a strategic security and economic agreement between Washington and Manama. U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, confirmed the agreement would enhance defense and intelligence cooperation between the two nations.