London - Sri Lankan born man, M. R. Fhazi, rearrested after previously being incarcerated and released with Professor Thalib, has gone on hunger strike in protest against his arbitrary detention. His family are increasingly worried for his wellbeing as he enters the 34th day of hunger strike. M. R. Fhazi was initially arrested on the 27th July 2020 and released following 6 months of intense investigations in torturous conditions. Since his rearrest in March 2021, he has languished in custody despite no charges being brought against him. Mr Fhazi began his hunger strike on the 1st of May and his health has been deteriorating since. He has lost 13kg, he is unable to perform any physical tasks, has severe cramps in his muscles, his hair is falling out and his skin is very pale. The authorities maintain regular medical checks on his vitals, but they also use this as a means to deprive him of sleep and have also forcefully administered a drip to him.
Naila Ahmed, CAGE Casework Manager said:
“The Qatari authorities are continuing to detain a man who they determined was no risk and released only 3 months ago, after 6 months of arbitrary detention. We demand that Mr Fhazi be immediately released and reunited with his family. Arbitrary detention is illegal and a severe violation of a person's rights.”
Mr Fhazi’s wife, and mother of their 7-month-old baby said:
“I am devastated with all that has been happening to my husband. My husband is innocent, he has never been charged however he is being held indefinitely with no clarity of why he continues to be arbitrarily detained. I have no idea what is going on and why this is happening to us.” “He has gone on a hunger strike as a last resort having not found any other means to protest the violations to his fundamental rights and freedoms. Our newborn has been left without a father, it is causing me a lot of distress and anxiety.” [END]
<span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>London</em> - Sri Lankan born man, M. R. Fhazi, rearrested after previously being incarcerated and released with Professor Thalib, has gone on hunger strike in protest against his arbitrary detention. His family are increasingly worried for his wellbeing as he enters the 34th day of hunger strike. </span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">M. R. Fhazi was initially arrested on the 27th July 2020 and released following 6 months of intense investigations in torturous conditions. Since his rearrest in March 2021, he has languished in custody despite no charges being brought against him. </span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Fhazi began his hunger strike on the 1st of May and his health has been deteriorating since. He has lost 13kg, he is unable to perform any physical tasks, has severe cramps in his muscles, his hair is falling out and his skin is very pale. The authorities maintain regular medical checks on his vitals, but they also use this as a means to deprive him of sleep and have also forcefully administered a drip to him. </span>
<h3>Naila Ahmed, CAGE Casework Manager said:</h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Qatari authorities are continuing to detain a man who they determined was no risk and released only 3 months ago, after 6 months of arbitrary detention. We demand that Mr Fhazi be immediately released and reunited with his family. Arbitrary detention is illegal and a severe violation of a person's rights.”</span>
<h3>Mr Fhazi’s wife, and mother of their 7-month-old baby said:</h3>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">“I am devastated with all that has been happening to my husband. My husband is innocent, he has never been charged however he is being held indefinitely with no clarity of why he continues to be arbitrarily detained. I have no idea what is going on and why this is happening to us.” </span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">“He has gone on a hunger strike as a last resort having not found any other means to protest the violations to his fundamental rights and freedoms. Our newborn has been left without a father, it is causing me a lot of distress and anxiety.”</span>
<span style="font-weight: 400;">[END]</span>
