On Sunday, 7 May 2017, Bahraini courts will reconvene for another hearing in the trial of Sheikh Isa Qassim. Sheikh Qassim is one of the most prominent spiritual leaders in Bahrain, and he has been targeted by government authorities for traditional Shia practices. In June 2016, amidst a wave of harsh civil and political repression[…]
27
Apr
Apr
On 22 April 2017, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a series of royal decrees, the effects of which include changes to domestic policy and a reshuffling of government cabinet positions. As part of this flurry of activity, King Salman appointed one of his sons, Prince Khalid bin Salman, to be Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador[…]
27
Apr
Apr
On 24 April 2017, the United Kingdom’s communications regulatory agency upheld a complaint against Al Arabiya News channel for unfair treatment towards imprisoned Bahraini torture victim Hassan Mushaima. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) filed the complaint on behalf of Mushaima with the Office of Communications (Ofcom) last year. It alleged that[…]
25
Apr
Apr
In February 2017, members of the US Embassy met with the National Security Agency (NSA) Ombudsman’s Office. This is the first publicized meeting between US officials and the NSA Ombudsman since Bahraini authorities restored arresting powers to the NSA. A brief readout of the meeting stated that NSA Ombudsman received two political officers from the[…]
20
Apr
Apr
On 17 April 2017, a Bahraini court held its second hearing to dissolve the National Democratic Action Society, the country’s largest secular, leftist opposition society. The government accused the society, also known as Wa’ad, of undermining state security and supporting terrorism. The justice ministry’s case against Wa’ad is representative of the government’s ongoing suppression of[…]
