Allegations of Torture and Discrimination Raise Tensions in Kuwait

A Kuwaiti court recently convicted 22 Shia citizens and an Iranian national of offenses based on accusations of espionage and the intention to undertake “hostile acts” on behalf of Iran and Hezbollah, reportedly leading to an escalation of sectarian tensions in Kuwait. The charges came after security forces raided several farmhouses along the Iraqi border and[…]

ADHRB: Saudi must release al-Shubaily & ACPRA members

On 29 May 2016 the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC), Saudi Arabia’s terrorism tribunal sentenced Abdulaziz al-Shubaily to eight years in prison. Charges against the human rights activist include “inciting disorder by calling for demonstrations,” “participating in the founding of an unlicensed organization” and committing the crime of “communicating with foreign bodies and providing them with reports that[…]

UN Special Procedures: Bahrain Continues to Suppress Freedom of Expression

The Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) released the 14th iteration of their joint communications report on Friday, May 27, 2016. In the latest communications, the Special Procedures cited three cases of violations, singling out Bahrain as among the worst offenders of human rights. The Special Rapporteurs on Expression, Human Rights[…]

ADHRB Welcomes Open Letter to EU High Representative Concerning Mohamed Ramadan and Husain Ali Moosa

The European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR), together with Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), the Bahraini Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the Justice Human Rights Organisation (JHRO), welcome the open letter sent to the[…]

Bahrain: where a tweet can earn you five years in prison

In March 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 32 states as part of its campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) united under this campaign, including the island kingdom of Bahrain. On 26 March 2015, the same day Bahraini officials announced they would be taking part in the[…]