On March 21, 2025, Americans for Democracy and human rights in Bahrain delivered an intervention during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. In its intervention under Item 5, ADHRB expressed deep concern over Bahrain’s targeting of human rights defenders, whether through prolonged imprisonment or reprisals against those released, such as activist Ali AlHajee.
We express our deep concern over Bahrain’s targeting of human rights defenders, whether through prolonged imprisonment or reprisals against those released.
A stark example is human rights activist Ali AlHajee, who spent ten years in prison for expressing his views. Since his release in June 2023, authorities have imposed arbitrary restrictions, including a travel ban and prosecution. The latest escalation came on 28 February 2025, when he was arrested after a summons, referred to the Terrorism Crimes Prosecution, and charged with “misusing social media” over his human rights posts.
Authorities detained him for 11 days, denying him legal representation and family contact. He was released on 10 March 2025, under restrictive conditions, including housing assurances and regularly informing the prosecution of his whereabouts.
Targeting human rights defenders, especially those engaging with UN mechanisms, is a blatant violation of international standards. We urge the Council to take a firm stance to protect activists, pressure Bahrain to end these repressive practices, and ensure a safe environment that upholds rights and freedoms.
