His family says he suffers from potentially deadly heart arrhythmia, and that prison officials have denied him access to a cardiologist.at the Jaw Rehabilitation and Reform Center.
The facility holds several prisoners identified by human rights groups as dissidents who oppose the rule of the Al Khalifa family, which has held power in Bahrain since the 17th century. But just one day after making that vow, staff once again denied Al-Khawaja access to a medical appointment, his family says — this time for his glaucoma, which puts him at risk of blindness.This is all playing out against the backdrop of Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's official visit to Washington, D.C.
Maryam says it's no coincidence that Bahraini officials subdued the broader hunger strike just a day before the high-profile U.S. meeting.