Washington, DC- 25 June 2015- Shia Rights Watch joins the United Nations and the remainder of the international community in commemorating the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day, established on December 12, 1997, commemorates victims of torture and works towards “the total eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment”.
Shia Muslims are routinely subjected to torture and degrading treatment around the world. Shia prisoners of conscience have been subjected to torture in countries such as Bahrain. The International Shia Day campaign highlighted many victims of torture among the 550 minors that are currently detained in Bahraini prisons. Fourteen year old Mohammed Mansour, one of the 550, was arrested and subjected to harsh physical beatings and electric shock torture.
The story of young Mohammed Mansour is not unique, but is shared among many Shia Muslims around the world. Torture and other forms of degrading treatment undermine the basic foundations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is for this reason we call on all countries around the world to respect basic human rights and renounce torture.
