Scrutinizing the State of “Freedom of the Press’’ Across GCC States

Historically, Gulf Cooperation Countries have used a strategy of repression by imposing state control of the media or through broad laws and strict censorship. Often, the governments justify this control by referring to social values like cohesiveness and harmony in society. However, this strategy poses journalists in the Gulf at extreme risk. They are harassed,[…]

Profile in Persecution: Mohamed AbdulJabbar Sarhan

Updated: Mohamed AbdulJabbar Sarhan was a 20-year-old first-year university student at the University of Bahrain when Bahraini authorities arbitrarily arrested him on 22 November 2021. During his detention, he was subjected to torture, sexual assault, solitary confinement, an unfair trial based on confessions extracted under torture, medical neglect, and deprivation of communication with his family.[…]

Kuwait: Anticipated Developments for Bidoon Activists

On 17 July 2023, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) launched an international campaign advocating for the rights of the ”Bidoon”. Aiming to secure access to essential services in education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of assembly, ADHRB called for the end of the discriminatory practices of Kuwait’s government. In addition, shortly after[…]

Profile in Persecution: Fadhel Abbas Mohamed

Updated: Fadhel Abbas Mohamed, a Bahraini citizen from the village of Nuwaidrat working in the private sector, was 19 years old when Bahraini authorities arrested him at his home at dawn on 22 November 2021, without presenting any arrest or search warrant. During his detention, he was subjected to torture, enforced disappearance, deprivation of communication[…]

Unveiling the Shocking Reality: UAE’s Sham Trial Amid COP28 Exposes Human Rights Contempt

The Emirati authorities’ commencement of a mass trial involving over 80 Emiratis, including prominent human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience, has sent shockwaves globally. The trial coinciding with COP28, billed as the ‘most inclusive COP ever,’ reflects the UAE’s blatant disregard for human rights and its unwillingness to address the dire state of rights[…]