Bahrain: “The scar on my forehead is a painful reminder of torture”

Sayed Alwadaei's story is one of extraordinary resilience. Imprisoned and tortured during Bahrain's 2011 uprising, he emerged from this harrowing experience as an even more fearless advocate for human rights. Stripped of his citizenship, Alwadaei now works tirelessly to expose the abuses of the Bahraini regime and fight for justice for those who remain voiceless. This is the story of his remarkable journey from victim to advocate on the international stage.

Why did you become a human rights activist?

In 2011, there was a massive popular uprising in my country, Bahrain. People demanded more freedom, an independent judiciary, and more rights. We protested peacefully, and we were crushed. I was imprisoned and tortured. After my release, I felt the need to help those still in jail and to ensure those responsible for abuses were held accountable.

How has torture affected you personally?

Torture leaves a lasting mark. And sometimes this mark is visible. I have a scar on my forehead from a police officer's shoe. This scar is a painful reminder of the brutality I faced. Even when you don't want to talk about torture, you're forced to do it because it's always there. I had to explain to my child why I had this scar. It's a tough conversation to have with your child.

What pressures did you face as a human rights activist in Bahrain?

The Bahraini government stripped me of my citizenship, rendering me stateless. This punishment also affected my family, especially my daughter, who was born stateless in the UK. And the pressure on my family didn't stop there. After I protested during the Bahraini king's meeting with former Prime Minister Theresa May in London, my entire family paid the price. My mother-in-law, my brother-in-law, and their cousin were even imprisoned for a while because of my activism.

What motivates you to continue working in this difficult field?

Despite the difficulties, my work provides hope, especially for those behind bars. They find solace when their cases are raised internationally, and this impact also extends to their families.

Can you share a story that illustrates the impact of your work?

Hamar Ramadan, a death row inmate, asked me to spread his message worldwide. As a result of my advocacy effort, his story was published in the New York Times and the Washington Post. The Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton learned about his case through this coverage and advocated for him. His intervention gave Hamar hope and a sense that his life mattered. This is the power of international solidarity.

What difference can joining forces make to eradicate torture?

Joining forces is crucial. When I documented my story of torture with the help of the global human rights organisation REDRESS, it elevated my case to an international level. This attention forced Bahrain to address the issue publicly. Solidarity movements are vital in pressuring governments and supporting victims, showing that torture is not just a local issue but a global concern.

How can the Convention Against Torture help address the prevalence of torture in Bahrain?

Bahrain has signed the Convention but not ratified the optional protocol, which would allow independent monitoring to happen. This lack of accountability enables continued abuses. Bahrain laws clearly forbid torture, but state officials repeatedly breach that Convention with absolutely no accountability whatsoever. And when individuals like me claim that they've been subjected to torture, the state denies it. Advocating for Bahrain to ratify the optional protocol and implement the Convention is crucial for ensuring genuine adherence to anti-torture standards and providing justice to survivors and their families.

The Convention was adopted 40 years ago. How can we make sure it remains relevant today?

It is not enough that this Convention is ratified. We need to make sure that we are doing whatever is in our power to prevent torture. Even countries with strong human rights records must stay vigilant. The anti-torture movement needs continuous support to prevent abuses and ensure that torture is globally condemned and combated.

Sayeed's interview is also available in Arabic.

This content was produced by the #UnitedAgainstTorture Consortium (OMCT, IRCT, FIACAT, APT, OMEGA and REDRESS), funded by the EU. The contents are the sole responsibility of UATC and do not necessarily reflect the position of the EU.