The situation of human rights defenders and activists in Bahrain is precarious. Today, one of the most prominent of these activists, Zainab al-Khawaja, sits in a prison cell along with her infant son. She is sick with the flu and her family has been denied access to care for her or her child. Zainab al-Khawaja[…]
On 14 May, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for Emirati authorities to release Nasser bin Ghaith and drop all charges against him. Emirati authorities accused Bin Ghaith of insulting Egypt and violating UAE’s cybercrime and counterterrorism laws. HRW states that after his arrest in August 2015, Emirati forces subjected Bin Ghaith to torture during his[…]
After nearly eight months of enforced disappearance, the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken prominent Emirati economist and political activist Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith before the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. On 18 August 2015, Emirati officials arrested Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith from his work place[…]
12 April 2016 HM Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa King of Bahrain Riffa Palace Manama, Bahrain Dear King Hamad, We, the undersigned Bahraini and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), would like to unequivocally condemn your government’s arrest of human rights defender Zainab Al-Khawaja along with her infant son. The implementation of Ms. Al-Khawaja’s prison sentence for[…]
Speaking in Dubai, the US ambassador to the United Arab Emirates praised the UAE for its efforts in the global fight against terrorism. Ambassador Barbara Leaf stated that the UAE’s valuable contribution in the fight against extremism went beyond military involvement, as the Emirates offer “a counter to that very dark vision that Daesh perpetuates.”[…]