NGOs: Bahrain’s New Expansive Press Regulations a Threat to Journalists

27 July 2016 – We in the Bahraini human rights community condemn the recently expanded press restrictions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Decree 68/2016, issued by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Al Rumaihi, constrains what little press freedom remaining in the kingdom by increasing government oversight on the dissemination of electronic media and empowering the[…]

Continued Crackdown on Clerics and Freedom of Religion and Assembly

27 July 2016 – The Bahraini government has intensified state restrictions on the right to freedom of religion for the country’s Shia majority. While the authorities have obstructed and prosecuted Shia religious practices, they have simultaneously escalated their use of repressive measures against the country’s religious clerics. The government has targeted Shia clerics with summons,[…]

Bahrain’s Use of Travel Bans Are Reprisals Against Activists and HRDs

The Government of Bahrain has increasingly used travel bans to prevent human rights defenders and activists from travelling abroad. In its ongoing suppression of dissent and political criticism, it has engaged in reprisals against human rights defenders and activists, in particular by preventing them from advocating at the United Nations (UN) or speaking at international[…]

France NCP announces agreement regarding French-manufactured tear gas in Bahrain

25 July 2016 – Paris, France – The French national branch of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) today announced ADHRB and riot-control weapons company Etienne-Lacroix had come to an agreement regarding the presence of the company’s weapons in Bahrain. The agreement states that the company will take additional steps to protect against[…]

Bahraini court dissolves Al-Wefaq, the largest political opposition group in the country

17 July 2016-The High Civil Court today ordered the dissolution and liquidation of all assets of the largest political opposition bloc in Bahrain, Al-Wefaq Political Society. The undersigned NGOs strongly condemn the government’s latest efforts to suppress all forms of peaceful dissent as it continues to target Bahraini civil society. On 14 June 2016, Bahraini[…]