UAE: Uphold International Obligations, Allow Peaceful Dissent

In the United Arab Emirates, political parties do not exist, peaceful dissent is not tolerated, and reports regarding arbitrary arrests and the torture of detainees are highly concerning. A country lacking in democratic institutions, the Government of the UAE further imperiled any hope for democracy by continuing its unprecedented crackdown on dissent. The authorities have[…]

Bahraini Prisons Continue to Violate the Mandela Rules

In recent decades, the international community has worked to outline requirements for the treatment of prisoners and detainees. The UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, otherwise known as The Nelson Mandela Rules, are universally recognized as the minimum standards for the management of prison facilities and the treatment of prisoners. Other instruments[…]

From Defiant to Disappearing Dissent in Bahrain

The international community should be alarmed by the Government of Bahrain’s continued campaign against the expression of dissent by civil society and peaceful political opposition. A decade after the historic 2011 protests, any positive change has been overshadowed by darker days characterized by arrests and mass trials, the implementation of new and depraved laws, and[…]

Profile in Persecution: Husain AlSari

Husain AlSari was a 23-year-old employee when he was arrested by authorities at the Central Investigation Department (CID). Husain was tortured, unlawfully detained and forced to sign a confession to crimes he did not commit. Despite a medical report proving he was at the hospital the day the crime was committed, he was found guilty[…]

The Arab Spring in the Gulf countries – 10 years later

Ten years after the beginning of the pro-democratic movements in the Gulf region, the Italian team of Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain organized an event on the 17th of February to commemorate the demonstrations in Manama and to discuss the current human rights situation in the Gulf. The webinar began with the[…]