On 8 April 2024, a royal decree was issued pardoning 1,584 prisoners, including several political prisoners. At first glance, the decree was considered a progressive reform in response to human rights demands aimed at improving the country’s dire rights situation. However, the step was incomplete, revealing that it was merely a means for the regime[…]
12
Jun
Jun
In 2011, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a prominent Bahraini-Danish human rights defender, was arrested for advocating for civil and political freedoms in Bahrain. He was convicted under an emergency royal decree issued in response to widespread protests against the regime that year. The royal decree, entitled “State of National Safety”, enables authorities to prosecute individuals for any[…]
24
May
May
The Bahraini government promotes its human rights record through formal steps taken from time to time. These efforts often aim to cover up its violations and present an incomplete picture of the human rights situation in the country. Since the start of the popular demand movement in 2011, there has been no real reform. However,[…]
26
Apr
Apr
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Bahrain’s King issued a royal decree pardoning 1,584 prisoners convicted of criminal and riot charges, making it the largest pardon since the Arab Spring in 2011. This pardon was announced ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a time when Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness and thus also a time when many[…]
28
Feb
Feb
In a joint letter, 31 human rights organizations called on Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to investigate Bahrain’s human rights record and ensure that the global event does not turn into a means of whitewashing sports. The text of the message stated: Dear Stefano Domenicali, We, the undersigned organisations, are writing to renew our[…]
