Unions call for release of ill teachers leader jailed in Bahrain repression
27 January 2012
The AEU has joined education unions around the globe in calling for the immediate release of Bahrain teachers leader Mahdi , who is dangerously ill in prison on charges relating to union activities.
Mahdi, president of the Bahraini Teachers Association (BTA), has been denied medical treatment despite deteriorating health as he awaits an appeal against conviction in Jaw Prison. BTA vice president Jalila al-Salman is also imprisoned.
Education International, the global federation representing 30 million education workers, has launched an urgent action appeal for his release.
The Bahraini court has rejected a call to release Mahdi on bail, and the next hearing of his appeal was adjourned in December until February 19. The Bahraini Independent Commission of Inquiry reports that Mahdi and other detainees have been tortured to extract "confessions".
Mahdi was sentenced to 10 years and Jalila to three years in September after a crackdown by authorities against teachers and unionists in response to peaceful protests in March.
AEU members and all who support freedom of speech and association are urged to join the call for Mahdi to be released and the repressive measures against unions in Bahrain to be ended. Find out more and add your voice here.
