THE son of a jailed Bahraini opposition leader has resumed his vigil outside the country’s embassy in London after a six-month gap.

Ali Mushaima returned to Belgrave Square today where he previously spent 46 days on hunger strike.

He re-erected a banner of his father, 71-year-old Hassan, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a military court in 2011 during the Arab Spring.

Mr Mushaima said: “I find myself having to come back to the embassy as the Bahrain government is deliberately denying my 71-year-old father his human rights, including medical care.

“I don’t want to wait until his health completely fails. I will do whatever I can to fight for justice for my father.”

Mr Mushaima is a cancer survivor who still suffers from diabetes, erratic blood pressure, prostate issues and an ear injury. 

The British government has paid to train Bahraini jailers in prison medical procedures, but the Mushaima family says healthcare at Jau prison is inadequate.

A Bahraini government spokesperson said: “The government of Bahrain categorically denies accusations that it has prevented Hasan Ali Mushaima from receiving healthcare services. Since his conviction, Mr Mushaima has consistently refused medical treatment despite being given regular access to medical care.

“Nonetheless, Mr Mushaima continues to receive medical attention while serving his sentence, including prescribed medications and a special diet recommended by the medical team.

 “Every citizen in the Kingdom of Bahrain is entitled to health care and this is fully protected by Bahrain’s constitution.

“Bahrain takes allegations of misconduct and mistreatment very seriously and has multiple mechanisms in place to investigate any allegations of wrongdoing.

“The Government of Bahrain reaffirms that any concerns regarding the treatment of Mr Mushaima should be submitted to the Independent Ombudsman and the National Institute of Human Rights for further investigation.”