Ombudsman Team Visits Jau Prison to Monitor Ashura Religious Practices

As part of its ongoing mission to uphold human rights and monitor conditions inside correctional facilities, a team from the General Secretariat of the Ombudsman conducted a field visit to Jau Reformation and Rehabilitation Center.

The visit focused on observing the conditions of inmates and ensuring they were able to practice their religious rituals during the Ashura season. This is in line with the team’s responsibilities outlined in Article 12 of Decree No. (35) of 2013, and aimed to verify that inmates are treated in accordance with national legal standards.

During the visit, the team met with a group of inmates selected at random. In private conversations, the inmates expressed that they were able to freely participate in Ashura-related religious practices. The team also reviewed CCTV footage across different buildings and prayer halls, confirming that groups of inmates had been gathering both in the morning and evening to hold religious ceremonies and gatherings. These activities were conducted without violating internal prison rules or safety requirements.

The Ombudsman team also reviewed relevant documents and plans prepared by the prison administration to facilitate the rituals. The review showed clear coordination and cooperation by prison staff to ensure a smooth and respectful environment for religious observance, while maintaining security.

The General Secretariat of the Ombudsman affirmed its continued commitment to monitoring the situation in reform and rehabilitation centers—especially during major religious events such as Ramadan and Ashura. These efforts reflect the organization’s role in promoting transparency, accountability, and the protection of constitutional and legal rights within the Kingdom of Bahrain.