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Amid the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jau prison in Bahrain, we welcome the positive step taken by the government of Bahrain releasing a number of prisoners under the Alternative Penalty Law and continue to demand the release of more prisoners, especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases that place them at increased risk of severe illness from the virus, as well as prisoners of conscience who should not have been imprisoned in the first place.
On 4 April 2021, The General Directorate of Reform and Rehabilitation resumed family visits to prisoners who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 by only vaccinated family members, where the MOI had suspended family visits as part of preventive measures against the spread of Coronavirus. On 8 April 2021, the Public Prosecution Office announced the release of 73 prisoners under the Alternative Penalty law, totaling 3297 since its application. These releases were followed by a Royal Decree pardoning and releasing 91 oth