Mentally challenged Yemeni siblings Abdul Rahman and Fatima have been living chained up in a room for 50 years because health authorities say regulations bar foreigners from hospitalization.
Cared for by their mother until her death three years ago, the brother and sister are now looked after by a 60-year-old older brother who says they are bound up for their own protection.
“Removing the chains, which we tried out several times, puts their lives in danger, especially Fatima who is epileptic,” he said.
He lamented that he was the sole provider for a five-member family.
“I pay SR12,000 in rent, and I cannot even provide clothes to protect them from the cold.
All I want is for Abdul Rahman and Fatima to be put in a rehabilitation center or a hospital for the mentally disabled, or any other place that will give them a decent life.”
Ten years ago, he said, he was told that the Emir’s Office in Makkah had ordered treatment for the siblings.
“After that we heard nothing. A team from Health Affairs did visit us once and prescribed epilepsy pills for my sister, but that was it.”
Saeed Al-Zahrani, spokesman for the Taif Health Department, said that regulations prevent the siblings being admitted to hospital.
“The rules do not allow non-Saudis to be hospitalized and treated, unless specific directives are issued ordering otherwise,” he said.
The National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), however, said it is following up the case.
“We will be submitting detailed reports to our chairman Muflih Al-Qahtani,” said Adel Al-Thubaiti, the NSHR representative in Taif.
Muhammad Saeed Al-Zahrani
Saudi Gazette