HASSAN
MUSHAIMA

Editorial update · 13 May 2026 — Mushaima's health has deteriorated sharply since December 2025. The 78-year-old opposition leader is feared to be approaching end-stage kidney failure; his family reports he is denied access to his own medical records. Daily peaceful prayer gatherings at his Jidhafs home have been met with summons and detentions of his sons and supporters. A joint letter to the UN Human Rights Council in May 2026 urged Bahrain to include him in royal pardons.

Background and Political Activity

Hassan Mushaima is a leading opposition figure and political activist in Bahrain. He was a key participant in the mass protests that erupted across the country in February 2011, calling for democratic reforms and the protection of human rights. His peaceful advocacy for civil and political liberties made him a target during the government's violent crackdown on dissent that followed the uprising.

The Arrest and Sentencing

Mushaima was detained in March 2011 as part of the government's campaign of repression against opposition leaders. He faced charges of incitement to civil disobedience and violence, accusations routinely used to suppress political opponents in Bahrain. In June 2011, he was sentenced to life in prison following a trial that lacked transparency and failed to meet international fair-trial standards. No credible evidence supported the allegations against him, and the proceedings were widely condemned by human rights organizations.

Detention Conditions and Health Crises

On 19 October 2020, Mushaima was urgently hospitalized due to severe breathing difficulties. Doctors recommended specialist consultation, but authorities ignored the recommendation and no appointment was scheduled. His condition deteriorated further in November 2020, forcing his transfer from Jau Prison to Bahrain Defense Force Hospital, where he required emergency respiratory support on two occasions. After approximately six hours in hospital, he was returned to prison. Doctors again requested specialist consultation, which was only scheduled five days later. Medical staff determined that his high blood pressure and respiratory problems were caused by heart muscle weakness. Medication was prescribed with a follow-up consultation planned one month later.

In May 2021, after two months in quarantine under the pretense of receiving care, Mushaima developed alarming new symptoms: abnormal swelling in his feet with black spots, severe leg swelling, intense knee pain, limping, and difficulty moving. He was transported by ambulance to BDF Hospital and returned to quarantine at 2:00 A.M. Doctors suspected inflammation and prescribed treatment, emphasizing the need for regular follow-ups. Neither Mushaima nor his family were given access to his medical records. Bahrain's Ministry of Health subsequently issued a false statement claiming his condition was stable and under observation.

Since July 2021, Mushaima has been held in prolonged solitary confinement at Kanoo Medical Center. He is confined to his room and denied adequate medical care despite suffering from multiple chronic illnesses. He is in remission from cancer but requires ongoing specialist monitoring and treatment for hypertension, diabetes, heart muscle weakness, and kidney complications. His medications are provided inconsistently, and pain management is inadequate. He is also deprived of sunlight and fresh air, conditions that violate international standards on the treatment of prisoners. He is detained alongside Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace, who faces similar harsh treatment.

From September 2023, Mushaima was permitted to leave his room twice weekly for 30 minutes to exercise and access sunlight—an insufficient allowance given his deteriorating health. On 15 November 2023, his diabetes medication was changed due to kidney complications, but the new treatment caused unstable blood sugar levels. He was not provided with an insulin pump or other devices to manage his condition.

On 2 April 2024, after two weeks of severe knee pain only partially eased by weak painkillers, the center's general physician informed him that referral to a specialist required authorization from the Ministry of Interior. His family contacted Jau Prison authorities repeatedly, requesting treatment, but were ignored. They even contacted his previous specialist, who was available but unable to treat Mushaima without Ministry of Interior approval. On 26 April 2024, he experienced sudden severe swelling in his legs and feet with persistent pain. A non-specialist doctor advised him to limit water intake and elevate his feet until a nephrologist could evaluate him. He received no specialist consultation or medication aside from painkillers.

In July 2024, Mushaima developed nerve damage in his right hand, causing loss of movement and intense pain. His right knee pain worsened significantly, impairing his ability to get out of bed and pray. Specialist consultation was again delayed pending Ministry of Interior approval.

Systematic Medical Neglect

Prison authorities frequently cancel Mushaima's medical appointments without notice. Authorities have prevented him from undergoing regular positron emission tomography scans, required every six months to monitor his cancer remission. When scans are performed, results are delayed for weeks despite normally requiring only one day to process. Prisoners, including Mushaima, have been shackled during transfers to clinics—a degrading practice they have refused, resulting in denial of medical treatment. He remains denied treatment for ongoing nerve damage in his hands, knee and dental problems, and kidney issues. He is denied access to test results and medical images.

In recent months, prison authorities have tightened restrictions on his access to basic food items such as dates, biscuits, and milk, worsening his nutritional condition. He is barred from the facility's canteen and relies solely on food and health supplies provided by his family. Officials from the Ministry of Interior periodically visit him, promising improvements that never materialize.

International Response

Mushaima's case represents a stark example of prolonged arbitrary detention accompanied by severe medical neglect, enforced isolation, and denial of basic rights in Bahrain. His ongoing imprisonment, despite multiple serious health conditions and urgent need for specialized medical care, places him at constant risk of irreversible harm or death. His situation requires immediate and unconditional release, prompt access to independent and specialized medical treatment, and a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into all allegations of medical neglect and violations of his rights.