Bahrain Postpones Nabeel Rajab’s Appeal against Two-Year Prison Term

Update: On 26 October 2017, ADHRB received reports that Bahraini authorities transferred Nabeel Rajab from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) police clinic, Al-Qala’a, to Jau Prison, the kingdom’s main long-stay male detention center. The prison administration appears to be holding him away from other political prisoners and the guards have subjected him to degrading treatment,[…]

Saudi Ambassador Appointment Draws an Even Closer Relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US

In April 2017, Saudi Arabia appointed 28-years-old Prince Khalid bin Salman as its new Ambassador to the United States of America. Prince Khalid is the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the younger brother of the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who himself is only 32-years-old, but who is determined to radically[…]

Another Month of Migrants’ Rights Violations in Bahrain

Following a series of reported violations in August, human trafficking and migrant rights abuses have continued to emerge in Bahrain over the past month. On 18 September 2017, Bahraini authorities announced they would be prosecuting five men on charges relating to forcing domestic workers into prostitution. The Public Prosecution Office formally accused the men of[…]

Saudi women allowed behind the wheel on the road, but not yet in their own lives

On Tuesday September 26th, Saudi Arabia, announced in a policy change that it will allow women to drive. However, this move, broadcast simultaneously on state television and in Washington D.C. will not take effect until June of 2018. While several United Nations Human Rights Experts welcomed the announcement and praised the activists who helped bring[…]

At Least 16 More Arrests in Saudi Arabia Amid Succession and Qatar Crisis

Over the past several weeks – since early September – Saudi security forces have arrested at least 16 people perceived to be critical of Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince, and of the government’s policies towards Qatar. The detained individuals include prominent religious figures, writers, journalists, academics, and activists like Abdulaziz al-Shubaily and Issa al-Hamid,[…]