Bahraini forces critically wound protester with live ammunition in attack on Diraz protests

26 January 2017 – In the early hours of 26 January 2017, Bahraini security forces fired live ammunition at protesters in Diraz, Bahrain. The security forces shot 18-year-old Mustafa Ahmed Hamdan in the head; he is currently receiving urgent medical care at Salmaniya Medical Center. Hamdan is in critical condition. We, the undersigned organizations, are[…]

Bahraini authorities continue harassment of Ebtisam al-Saegh

On 22 January 2017, Bahraini government forces summoned human rights defender Ebtisam al-Saegh for questioning. Al-Saegh works to document human rights violations on the ground in Bahrain. The authorities notified al-Saegh that she would be expected at the Department of Criminal Investigation (CID) in Muharraq. Prior to the investigation, officials did not notify al-Saegh their[…]

NGOs condemn Bahrain NIHR Statement on Executions

20 January 2017 – We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the position of the Bahrain National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) which, in a statement released earlier this week, supported the extrajudicial executions of torture victims Ali Al-Singace (21), Abbas Al-Samea (27) and Sami Mushaima (42). Ali, Abbas and Sami were executed on Sunday 15 January[…]

UAE to hold new hearing for academic Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith

17 January 2017 – Tomorrow, 18 January 2017, prominent Emirati economist and academic Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith is scheduled for a new hearing before the Abu Dhabi Federal Appeal Court. UAE authorities have subjected Dr. bin Ghaith to a lengthy trial over charges that violate his right to free expression and association. Americans for Democracy[…]

Saudi Detains and Sentences 3 HRDs in the Span of 1 Week

Since the beginning of the New Year, Saudi Arabia has sentenced or detained several human rights defenders. Within the span of one week, Saudi authorities questioned and detained human rights defenders Ahmed al-Mushaikhass, of the Adala Center for Human Rights, and Essam Koshak. On 10 January, a court sentenced Abdulaziz al-Shubaily, of the Saudi Civil[…]