Abdulhadi al-Khawaja facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja
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Abdulhadi al-Khawaja taking part in a pro-democracy protest in February 2011
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| Born |
Abdulhadi Abdulla Hubail al-Khawaja
5 April 1961 |
| Nationality |  Danish and  Bahraini |
| Occupation | Human rights defender |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Spouse(s) | Khadija Almousawi |
| Children | Maryam and Zainab 2 other daughters |
Abdulhadi Abdulla Hubail al-Khawaja (Arabic: عبد الهادي عبد الله حبيل الخواجة; born 5 April 1961) is a Bahraini activist who champions human rights. He is known for speaking up for people's rights in Bahrain. In 2011, after peaceful protests for more democracy, al-Khawaja and eight others were put in prison for life. He has gone on hunger strikes while in prison to protest the situation in Bahrain.
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja helped start the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR). This group works to protect and promote human rights in Bahrain. He has also worked with many other human rights groups around the world.
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Who is Abdulhadi al-Khawaja?
Abdulhadi al-Khawaja is a well-known human rights defender. He believes everyone should be treated fairly and have their rights respected. He has worked for many years to make sure people in Bahrain and other countries have their voices heard.
Working for Human Rights
Before February 2011, al-Khawaja worked with Front Line Defenders. This group helps protect human rights defenders around the world. He also advised other organizations that focus on human rights. He was part of Amnesty International's team that gathered facts in Iraq. His work for human rights was recognized when he was named "Regional Activist of 2005."
Early Life and Activism
After finishing high school in Bahrain in 1977, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja went to the UK for more studies. In 1979, he joined student activities in London. These activities were a response to protests and arrests happening in Bahrain.
Living in Exile
Many students, including al-Khawaja, were told to return home and had their passports taken away. In 1980, he decided to stay abroad because he feared being arrested if he went back to Bahrain. This was after other students were detained and their families' homes were searched.
In 1981, the Bahraini government arrested many people. They claimed to have stopped a plan to overthrow the government. Hundreds of people, including young students, were held and treated badly.
In 1991, al-Khawaja was given political asylum in Denmark. This meant he could live there safely. He then helped start the Bahrain Human Rights Organization (BHRO) in Denmark. This group worked hard to bring about political changes in Bahrain. In 2001, he returned to Bahrain after a general pardon was given.
Activism in Bahrain
Returning Home
After 12 years away, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja came back to Bahrain in 1999. This was after the government made some changes that allowed human rights groups to work freely. He became a main founder and director of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR). This center was officially registered in 2002.
Al-Khawaja also helped start the Bahrain Unemployment Committee. This group worked on issues related to jobs. He has faced arrests and physical attacks because of his human rights work.
First Arrest and Release
In 2004, the BCHR was closed down. Al-Khawaja was arrested a day after he spoke publicly about corruption and human rights problems. He spent two months in prison. His supporters protested both in Bahrain and other countries. In November, he was sentenced to one year in prison. However, the King later gave him a special pardon, and he was released. The BCHR is still banned by the government but continues its work.
Protests and Further Arrests
In 2005, police stopped a peaceful protest about unemployment. Many people were hurt, including Abdulhadi al-Khawaja.
In 2007, al-Khawaja was arrested again with other activists. He was accused of trying to change the political system and spreading false information. These arrests led to public disturbances. Hundreds of supporters protested, and there were clashes with authorities. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets. Al-Khawaja and the others were later released on bail.
Speaking Out
In January 2009, al-Khawaja gave a speech during Ashura. He spoke openly about serious human rights issues in Bahrain. These included unfair treatment, corruption, and limits on freedom of speech. He called for peaceful resistance and peaceful ways to protest. Because of this speech, he was charged with trying to change the political system by force. He was also stopped from leaving Bahrain for a trip.
Role in the Bahraini Uprising
,_Ali_Abdulemam_(middle)_and_Abdulhadi_Alkhawaja_(right)_in_a_pro-democracy_march_on_23_February.jpg)
In 2011, during the "Arab Spring" protests, al-Khawaja led peaceful demonstrations in Bahrain. He also helped teach protesters about human rights.
After protesters entered a financial area in March 2011, the government began a strong response. Soon after, al-Khawaja and other leaders were arrested.
His Arrest
On April 9, 2011, al-Khawaja was arrested. His daughter said that armed police broke into their home at night. They attacked her father and dragged him away. He was unconscious. His two sons-in-law were also taken. His daughter, Zainab, was hurt when she tried to help. The family was not told where he was taken or why.
Trial and Imprisonment
On April 20, 2011, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja was allowed a short phone call to his wife. He told her he would appear before a military court. On May 8, 2011, he was put on trial with 20 other Bahrainis. They were accused of trying to overthrow the government and other serious actions. Most of the group were from Bahrain's majority Shia community.
On June 22, 2011, al-Khawaja and eight others were sentenced to life imprisonment. His daughter, Zainab, who was at the trial, said her father raised his fist and shouted, "We shall continue on the path of peaceful resistance!"
Hunger Strike
On February 8, 2012, al-Khawaja started a hunger strike. He said he would continue until he was free or died. He was protesting the ongoing detentions in Bahrain. By March, he had lost a lot of weight and had trouble speaking. He was taken to the hospital several times. His family said doctors had trouble giving him IV fluids. He refused medical exams and even threatened to stop drinking water. Danish diplomats confirmed his health was getting worse.
The government said his condition was stable and he was getting medical care. They also said he was taking glucose and other liquids.
Starting April 20, al-Khawaja refused all fluids. He asked to see his lawyer to write a will, but was not allowed. He told his wife three things: he believed his actions were right, he did not want anyone else to try a similar strike, and if he died, he wanted people to continue peaceful resistance. On April 25, his wife learned he was no longer in his hospital bed. He was later given food and water by medical staff. He considered this and being kept alone as torture.
On May 28, al-Khawaja announced he would end his hunger strike. It had lasted 110 days.
In November 2021, al-Khawaja started another hunger strike due to problems with prison authorities. On November 18, 2021, he told his family his blood sugar level was dangerously low.
See Also
- Bahrain Centre for Human Rights
- Torture in Bahrain
- Islamic Action Society
- Bahrain Thirteen
- Nabeel Rajab
- Bobby Sands, of the 1981 Irish hunger strike
- Hana Shalabi
- Khader Adnan
- Maikel Nabil Sanad
