Diverting attention from human rights abuses: the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia

On July 3, 2024, the Esports World Cup, the largest global event of its kind, will kick off in Saudi Arabia amid in the gaming community. Saudi’s last attempt to become a hub for international esports has, once more, triggered discussions about the ethical implications of hosting major sports -and esports- events in countries with[…]

UN WGAD finds the detention of three young Bahraini brothers arbitrary and subjected to torture, coerced confessions, unfair trials, reprisals, and medical neglect

The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) published yesterday the opinion it adopted on 22 March 2024 during its 99th session concerning three young Bahraini brothers sentenced between 13 years and six months and 14 years in prison. These Bahraini brothers were arbitrarily arrested and subjected to gruesome human rights violations including torture,[…]

Profile in Persecution: Sheikh Abduljalil Radhi Maki (Al-Muqdad)

Updated: Sheikh Abduljalil Al-Muqdad is a prominent 64-year-old Bahraini religious cleric and political opposition leader and activist. He has been serving a life sentence at Jau Prison since 2011 following his warrantless and violent arrest in relation to pro-democracy demonstrations in the country. During his detention, he has been subjected to torture, religion-based insults, enforced[…]

Profile in Persecution: Mohamed Hasan Abdulla (AlRamel)

Updated: Mohamed Hasan Abdulla (AlRamel) was a 55-year-old carpenter when he was arrested on 3 November 2015 during a raid on his house. During his detention, he was tortured, sexually harassed, and threatened before being convicted of charges based on planted evidence. He is currently serving his life sentence in Jau Prison, isolated in Building[…]

Profile in Persecution: Hasan Mushaima

Updated: Mr. Hasan Mushaima is a prominent Bahraini opposition figure and political prisoner who has been serving his life sentence in Jau Prison since 2011 after being charged with attempting to overthrow the government in light of his role in the pro-democracy demonstrations. During his imprisonment, authorities have been subjecting the 76-year-old to maltreatment and[…]