Sentenced as Children: Saudi Arabia’s Use of the Death Penalty Against Minors

In 2024, Saudi Arabia executed 345 people, the highest number recorded in the country in 30 years and more than double the 2023 total . This alarming figure highlights the broader pattern of judicial abuse and repression in the kingdom. Despite frequent claims of reform, Saudi Arabia’s justice system remains harsh and opaque, targeting even[…]

ADHRB at HRC58 Condemns Bahrain’s Grave Violations Against Detained Children

On March 13, 2025, ADHRB delivered an intervention at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council during the Annual Discussion on the Rights of the Child. ADHRB expressed deep concern over Bahrain’s blatant violations of minors’ rights in detention, which contravene the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We express deep[…]

Profile in Persecution: Yousif Fadhel AlTooq

Yousif Fadhel AlTooq was a 15-year-old minor and school student when Bahraini authorities arrested him without a warrant on 8 August 2024 after summoning him to the Sitra Police Station. During his detention, he has endured torture, denial of family visits, denial of access to legal counsel, deprivation of his right to education, withholding of[…]

Profile in Persecution: Ali Husain Matrook Abdulla

Ali Husain Matrook Abdulla was a 15-year-old minor and school student when Bahraini authorities arrested him on 26 August 2024 in Karranah while spending time with friends. The arrest was carried out without a warrant. During his detention, he endured torture, denial of family visits, denial of access to his lawyer, deprivation of his right[…]

Profile in Persecution: Ali Mahmood Mahmood (AlKahraba’ii)

Ali Mahmood Mahmood (AlKahraba’ii) was a 15-year-old Bahraini school student and minor when Bahraini authorities arrested him from his grandfather’s house on 16 January 2019 without presenting an arrest warrant. During detention, he endured torture, enforced disappearance, denial of access to legal counsel, unfair trial based on confessions extracted under torture, and sectarian-based insults. Ali[…]