A startling and detailed insight into the Judicial and Penal system in Bahrain has been published in America.
The Author, Richard Mechan, is a Briton who spent nearly four years in Jau prison.
His book details his personal experiences as a lone Briton who suffered and witnessed the torture, beatings, attempted rape, and the riots of the Bahrain prison population.
His descriptions of the repression and manipulation of the Bahrain Judicial System reveal, as never before, the real face of the Bahraini system gained from personal experience.
The book cost US$25 with free world wide postage and can be ordered on-line from http://www.lulu.com/content/150420
Comments
“He hit me in the face mostly…you couldn’t tell it was me”
Where did RIchard Mechan write this book from – his prison cell in the UK? Because after he’s pardoned here for killing an American and he returns to the UK he immediately starts beating up his ex-girlfriend and he’s back in prison.
Here’s what his ex-girlfriend Kristen Puddick told the Gloucester Echo (24 June 2005) about his attacks: “When I asked him to leave he went mad. He hit me in the face mostly. My ex-husband and my eldest son came to pick me up and were shocked…The next day you couldn’t tell it was me. He was so controlling – I can see that now.”
As his lawyer Nigel Fryer, said: “On his own admission he has been to see a psychiatrist. He clearly has issues.”
The State is Not Immune
Read everything with a pinch of salt… especially when it comes to western books about the ‘barbaric and backward’ middle east….
twisted.ae
Re: “He hit me in the face mostly…you couldn’t tell it was me”
I remember this story distinctly. I posted this contributed article so that we may have a chance to rebut its allegations.
The State is Not Immune
Anon, maybe his time in Jau gave him the mental disorder you were talking about. Criminals are bad people, but as a society, we should see them as humans too. Back in the day, people that asked for independance were locked up in a prison island (jidda.) Can you believe it? A whole generation of Bahrain’s best and finest behind bars in dreadful conditions?
The Joker
Re: The State is Not Immune
In his case isn’t it likely that prison had a corrective effect – since he stabbed someone to death before he was imprisoned, but afterwards he only beat his girlfriend into hospital.
So maybe Bahrain’s prisons had some benefit?
Bahraini rights activists to visit prisons soon
Bahrain human rights activists to visit prison soon, Gulf News, 15 August 2005
[quote]
Bahraini rights activists to visit prisons soon
By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
Manama: Human rights activists will start inspecting Bahrain’s prisons next month after reaching an accord with the Ministry of Interior.
“We have contacted the ministry to inform them that we will start the visits in September, although no specific date has been fixed yet,” the vice-president of the Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS), Salman Kamaluddeen, yesterday told Gulf News.
“We are now fine-tuning the visit details and procedures with the ministry as we do not want it to be a mere courtesy call,” he said.
The 20-member team will assess conditions and facilities in the jails and compare them with international conventions and standards. “There will be doctors, legal experts, psychiatrists and social workers in the group.”
The rights watchdog said that it had been training several people in preparation for the visit, the first by any society.
An attempt to inspect prisons two years ago had to be shelved after political and religious associations wanted to be part of the team.
The Ministry of Interior said that only human rights groups could make the visit. Last week, the Minister of Interior, Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, rejected a request by Al Wefaq Society to inspect prisons, saying that the political nature of the group did not warrant it for the visit.
Kamaluddeen said that the minister gave the go-ahead to the Bahrain Human Rights Society at a meeting in June.
Shaikh Rashid, who was appointed minister of interior last May, has repeatedly said that he wanted to broaden and foster cooperation with the human rights societies in the country.
Dozens of inmates at Jaw Prison had been involved in disturbances and hunger strikes to call for an end to delays in the justice system and better conditions.
Riots and strikes were called after a series of negotiations with human rights activists, Ministry of Interior officers and parliamentarians.
[/quote]
The State is Not Immune
will the book be stocked in the Sh. Isa Library?
Re: The State is Not Immune
That’s quite a double standard you have there. If a few Iraqi criminals in Abu Ghraib are forced to wear panties on their head, the whole Middle East starts a riot and begins burning US flags in a rabid frenzy. However, if Bahraini criminals in Bahraini prisons are abused, well, then your first reaction is disbelief and a desire for independent confirmation.
Why should we respect your opinion when your bias is so obvious?
Steve
The State is Not Immune
I think its a good thing that Richard Mechan wrote this book. Even though he is a murdering bastard, he may still have given a clear and unbiased version of his experiences.
One though I have to mention. This degenerate murdered a fellow human being by stabbing him in the back. He gets thrown in prison only to be “pardoned” by the government after prodding by the British foriegn office. What a bunch of bastards. Just because this guy is British he can come to Bahrain, kill someone, and still get off. I suppose the only reason he got put in prison was because his poor victim was American. If he killed a Bahraini he probably would have got a medal and congradulated on helping solve Bahrain’s unemployment issues. One less Bahraini looking for a job.
Down with the colonialist, capitalist west!! It really is too much sometimes.
S
“Bahrain’s prisons up with the best in the world” – Richard Mechan
Richard Mechan states for the record that prisons now in Bahrain are “up with the best in the world” in a letter to the Gulf Daily News, 24 November 2003.
[quote]
I wish to state for the record ‘although there can be no denying the serious problems in the past the conditions and reforms brought into effect throughout the prisons by the authorities over the past two to three years have improved life in the Bahraini penal system dramatically and not that I have experienced prison elsewhere but from the UN literature on various world-wide standards makes the current prison system up with the best in the world.’
Gulf Daily News, 24 November 2003
[/quote]
The State is Not Immune
I have read the book. It gives a fair assessment and a factual assessment of what happened , good and bad. I suggest you read the book, then post the comments
Re: The State is Not Immune
Apparently so. And not only locked up. Some dreadful things done to them and not just by Bahraini’s.
http://www.lulu.com/items/volume_3/150000/150420/12/preview/extracts.doc
rebuttal of allegations
[size=9][i]I remember this story distinctly. I posted this contributed article so that we may have a chance to rebut its allegations[/i][/size]
Who is the “we” that need to rebut it’s allegations. I read nothing in the book which alleges anything against this blog. I read nothing in this book in which the writer alledges anything against Bahrain or Bahraini’s per se. It is a factual, graphic and disturbing account of the writers experiences from being attacked in his own home through his arrest, trial and imprisonment in aydia and jau and eventual release. Many people in Bahrain will know the local and expatriate people mentioned in this book. Their actions or, in some cases the lack of them, may give an insight into how the judicial and prison system works in Bahrain. It is the interests of Bahrain society to know what happens to those who fall into the hands of the system. I find it difficult to understand why a blog owner should pre-judge the book without having read it unless there are some influential government hands pulling string behind the scenes.
Re: rebuttal of allegations
whoa horsey!
1. we = Bahrain and Bahrainis
2. I have not read the book yet, but have ordered it, so I won’t judge it yet.
3. we KNOW how prisons are in Bahrain and we hope that now that they are open to outside inspectors that they will become what they are supposed to be: correctional facilities rather that what they have been in the past. This particular fact is much more important – with all due respect – than a single person’s experience.
4. I resent your allegation that there are motives behind my blog, other than it being a personal venting space, there has not been nor has there EVER been anyone nor anything “pulling strings”.
5. I do hope that Richard is enjoying his freedom now in the UK or where ever he chooses to live. However, in order to arrive at the “truth” you must hear the other side, and so far that has been silent. I hope that the other side does respect the various transparency laws and make their documents, evidence and the whole court proceedings public soon.
Re: “He hit me in the face mostly…you couldn’t tell it was me”
There is a lot of selective comment about this case which leaves out many important factors. What was not reported in the GDN was the evidence submitted in the court by his lawyer Colin Nelson. [Gloucestershire Citizen] ‘Mechan has been diagnosed as suffering from post traumatic stress and is recieving psychiatric treatment. His life has been blighted by the terrible events in Bahrain where a number of his human rights were violated’ . For a definition of PTS, you can visit http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-an06.html
From my reading of the book, ( http://www.lulu.com/content/150420 ), I don’t think I could have withstood his experiences without also going mad,. Everyone has a breaking point.
good reply
That was a good reply and has clarified the “we”.
It is historical now but, once you have read it, it might enable you to pass judgement on:-
(a) Throwing out all historical cases where people are still in prison who had confessions extracted without a lawyer being present when the ‘official confession’ was made
(b) Having a Majority of Judges who do not predominately come from the ruling family and who are not controlled by the ruling family. Having no-one called Al-Khalifa in the Judiciary would be a start [b]to show [/b]the seperation of the Judiciary from Political and Personal Interests.
(b) Having Civilian Prisons instead of Military prisons in Bahrain
(c) Having an independant Prison Board, reporting to Parliament.
(d) Publicising, Providing and Monitoring Legal Aid for penniless accused persons
(e) Providing a Criminal Cases Review Board, reporting to Parliament, where any person still in prison who could prove denial of rights under the Constitution, be granted release and/or an overturning of sentence.
(f) In future, showing the world some cases where someone has successfully been granted compensation in the Courts when challenging anyone from the ruling elite. (i.e. sucessfully suing the government for redress in Bahrain.)
(g)
These would seem to be issues still requiring prompt action by Bahrain Society, not continuing debate. Good to see you are among those airing the matters
Re: The State is Not Immune
Yep and be sure to take everything someone from the M.E. or GCC area says, claims or writes about the infidel West with TWO pinches of SEA SALT as well. I would still take a cell at Gitmo over any prison in the region.
The State is Not Immune
Italy’s AKI news agency on Bahrain’s prisons
[quote]
BAHRAIN: PRISONERS NET FOOTBALL SMART CARDS
Manama, 31 August (AKI) – Football-crazy prisoners at a jail in Bahrain have had their wish come true after pleading for smart cards to watch football matches on the new Al Jazeera sport channels. The UAE-based newspaper Gulf News quoted sources as saying that the inmates sent a formal letter to the prison management on Tuesday, requesting the cards so they could watch European league matches.
Unlike Al Jazeera’s previous sports channels, the two new channels, Al Jazeera Sports Plus-1 and Sports Plus-2 – which were launched on August 27 and will show matches from the top Italian, Spanish and English leagues – are encrypted and require special programme cards.
“The prisoners said they were ready to pay for these cards,” the source said. And their request paid off, with the Bahraini interior minister later ordering that smart cards and four satellite receivers be provided in the prison.
[/quote]
http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level.php?cat=Sport&loid=8.0.202583029&par=0
Re: The State is Not Immune
[size=9][i] I think its a good thing that Richard Mechan wrote this book. Even though he is a murdering bastard, he may still have given a clear and unbiased version of his experiences[/i][/size]
In order that you can actually read what really happened, a [b]free [/b]download e-book version of Tne State is Not Immune is now available from http://www.lulu.com/content/165423
Download it, read it, then pass your comments.
Review of Prison Book
An independent reader review of the book about personal experiences in Bahrain prisons and Courts has been posted down the page on http://www.lulu.com/content/150420
Dear Mahmood,
After a considerable amount of time I am on the road to recovery, I defy anyone to spend four years in the hands of the khalifa’s crooked & brutal penal/judicial system and walk away with their facalties intact.
Many in the past have not even made it out alive.
I have read the comments left about the book and find that these so say bloggers can not even be bothered to a)read the book or b) identify themselves.
The book in not only about my struggle but that of ordinary Bahrainis.
The book has now sold worldwide in its thousands and all proceeds are going to charity.
I can only assume that the individuals on this blog are people with a vested interest in bahrain’s security forces. Or engaged in the impossible task of protecting the al-Khalifa’s name in the eyes of the world press.
As regards the articles and various claims or statements I have made. The GDN reals out ‘ Khalifa spin’ every day. and only those with their heads firmly up the royal family’ ass would regard it as a creditable source of information.
To which end I will answer any question that your bloggers wish to put to me. I have one simple request that they do so in their own names.
Aside from this I have read many articles on your blog and think the more freedom of expression in Bahrain the better.
Richard Mechan
Thank you for dropping by Richard. I have read your book and find your experience harrowing, to say the very least. I have family members who have suffered the same fate as you over many more years, and like the majority of my fellow Bahrainis, everyone at least knows of someone who has, or has directly experienced this particular form of Arab hospitality.
I cannot speak for the rest of the country, but from me personally, I am sorry for your tribulations. We would like to think that we are not like that, but unfortunately, human nature is ugly and I hope that your psychological recovery continues apace.
There is a question which I wish you address though, raised by a commenter above, and that is your violent attack on your girlfriend once you have returned to England, and the use of that particular incident to point out that you may have very well killed the American in a bout of rage.
Would you share your views on this please, for the record at least?
Dear Mahmood,
On the record ‘yes’ no problem.
My treatment of my ex-partener, whom I met after being released was inexcusable.
I have strived in the past 12 months to deal with not only this but many behaviour traits since my departure from Bahrain.
The article was ‘sold’ by my ex partener which in it’s self reflects the accuracy.
I simply pleaded ‘guilty’ at court and acknowledged that I was mentally ill and needed help.
The Courts in this country approached the Bahraini authorities given the attendant publicity with regards my conviction to manslaughter.
Who claimed through Interpol that I was sentenced to 15 years and pardoned in Ramadan 2002.
The matter was ruled on by the British Crown Courts, “the Bahrain incident is a wholey different matter and one of self-defence” to that of domestically assulting my former partenter.
Strange how that never made it in to the press in Bahrain.
Allowances were then made for my treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and documented evidence of both the physical a mental abuse I suffered in in open Court.
I would like to publically appologies to my ex partener family and friends. Since my return I have been unable to cope with most aspects of life that people take for granted. I have been unable to secure work and have lost my home. The PSTD has simply crippled me.
I am with the correct help attempting to rebuild my life and try and construct something useful out of my experiences in Bahrain to try and stop it happening to others not just expats but Bahrainis and other nationals.
If I had taken my own life either pre or post release as has often crossed my mind I am sure that my detractors would have made ‘soundbites’ out of that to excuse my treatment at the hands of the Bahraini Authorities.
I like to ask an open question back if I may.
If what I am claiming is untrue with regards my treatment and the facts of my case. Then why will the Bahraini authorities not allow me to return and air the issues in the Constitutional Court?
Many Thanks.
Richard
Fair enough, I hope you do get forgiven by your ex-partner. As to the constitutional court grievance, I cannot comment as I am not a lawyer, hence ignorant of the procedings and precident which should be taken into account.
Did you consult with a lawyer in this regard? Did you talk to the various Human Rights organisations in Bahrain to help you with this issue? Some of the contact details of one such organisation could be found here, another is here (arabic) and I am sure you can find more support organisations in Bahrain through Google.
Good luck with your quest.
Dear Mahmood,
Having tried the ‘rule of law’ approach and the HR within both the British Courts and of coures the ‘mickey mouse’ courts of Bahrain (from which I am banned). It is time to bring the fight to the alledged Sherifs of Mecca/Medina other wise know as a Khalifa!! If my Islamic knowledge of history serves me right.
Why is it that the FCO(British Foreign Office) prefer the illegitmate Khalifa Suni’s to the Iraian Shia. Could it be that the UK Government do not give the simplist thought to any other regime than that one they can manipulate as old?
Because the diplomatic individuals chosen to represent their Counties have’nt got a clue outside of their own protective diplomatic enviroment.
No wonder the West does’nt understand the arabic world
I once asked a senior FCO official whether the Uk government would back the Sunni regime against the shite. The answer was ‘NO’. Will the Saudi’s ‘NO’….The Iran card can no longer be played.
When the Khalifas finish robbing the county and the world wakes up to their PR lies what happens then to the rael people of you’re island. The Sand Bar?
In the meantime I would accept any member of the ‘Ruling’ Bahraini Royal Family to stand with their leg apart so that I could firmly kick them in the balls!
This is not over old friend.’ HAPPY NEW YEAR’
Massalam,
Richard
Cheers Richard
Hes a lying bastard, Jau is Hotel California 5 Stars all the way… Tons of Drugs and Valium in the Prison…
Well, I agree I have suffered, but nearly enough compared to my brothers in Bahrain. When I came to the Middle-East like most Ex-pats I had no idea of what went on under my feet, and most would never want to acknowledge, because they thought that it was nothing to do with them. There are 2/3 british Bankers complaining about their current ban from leaving Bahrain, I am sure that their conditions are far better and above those of a different nationality, but surely this the whole point about your’re King and his family in this very modern world. Why do they contrary to the ‘rule of law’ get to choose? An Arab, a Brit, a Frenchman. The Elections are apon you again but we all know the Al-Khalifa Council put in place decades ago will choose. Hence my demand for ‘Regime Change’. Our new(UK) Foreign Minister has already learnt the price of a two day stop over in Bahrain with of a companion. Will the FCO Manderines ever fall out with a country that servers up watches and such political derth. I very much doubt it. Keep on Blogging in the Free world!!