Bahrain’s High Court of Appeals Upholds Dissolution of Al-Wefaq

22 September 2016 – Bahrain’s second High Civil Court of Appeals today upheld an earlier court decision to dissolve Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, the largest political opposition group in Bahrain. The undersigned NGOs strongly condemn the court’s decision, which is representative of the Government of Bahrain’s broader efforts to silence civil society. On 14 June[…]

Bahraini Authorities Continue Campaign Against Sheikh Isa Qassim and Shia Religious Leaders

17 August 2016 – The Government of Bahrain has continued to target Shia religious leaders today, as authorities brought an additional charge of “inciting hatred” against Sayed Majeed Misha’al, a Shia cleric and president of the now dissolved Islamic Ulamaa Council (IUC). On 20 June 2016, Sayed Majeed declared the start of a peaceful sit-in[…]

UN Experts Condemn Bahrain Assault on Shia

16 August 2016 – Geneva, Switzerland – A group of United Nations human rights experts have called on the Kingdom of Bahrain to halt its ongoing persecution of Shia Muslims in the country. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain thanks the UN experts for their attention to the issue, and joins them in[…]

Bahrain: Gov’t Prosecutes Religious Freedoms Advocate Sheikh Maytham Al-Salman and Rights Activist Al-Derazi for “Illegal Gathering”

15 August 2016 – Bahrain’s authorities today charged human rights defender and scholar Sheikh Maytham Al-Salman and activist and medic Dr. Taha Al-Derazi with illegal gathering following their arrests and interrogations yesterday. Al-Salman has been released on bail, while Al-Derazi was remanded into custody. The charges relate to their peaceful assembly in the village of Duraz, which has[…]

Bahrain Moves Forward with Measures to Centralize Internet Censorship

8 August 2016 – The Government of Bahrain introduced further restrictions on the right to freedom of expression on the Internet last week, centralizing website-blocking powers under Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). On 5 August 2016, the head of the TRA Board of Directors, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Amer, issued Decision 12/2016 regarding regulations on safety over[…]