Profile in Persecution: Hasan Mushaima

Updated: Mr. Hasan Mushaima is a prominent Bahraini opposition figure and political prisoner who has been serving his life sentence in Jau Prison since 2011 after being charged with attempting to overthrow the government in light of his role in the pro-democracy demonstrations. During his imprisonment, authorities have been subjecting the 76-year-old to maltreatment and[…]

Profile in Persecution: Dr. Abduljalil AlSingace

Updated: Dr. Abduljalil AlSingace is a prominent Bahraini human rights defender, former university professor, and engineer, serving his life sentence since 2011. He was arrested and tortured by security officers following his participation in the 2011 pro-democracy protests at the age of 49 and was charged by the authorities with plotting to topple the government.[…]

Muhammad and Asaad al-Ghamdi: The Innocent Brothers’ Unlawful Convictions

The Saudi Arabian brothers Muhammad and Asaad al-Ghamdi have been unlawfully convicted for their peaceful online expression. Muhammad, a 55-year-old retired teacher, was arrested outside his house on 11 July 2022 and was consequently sentenced to death by the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) a year later. His younger brother Asaad, a 48-year-old teacher, was arrested[…]

Suppression of Online Expression in Saudi Arabia

1.1. The legislative framework In Saudi Arabia, online expression is heavily restricted by a combination of laws, regulations, and enforcement practices that aim to control the flow of information and suppress dissent. The government employs various mechanisms to monitor and censor online content, targeting individuals and platforms that challenge its authority or promote views deemed[…]

Profile in Persecution: Sadeq Jaafar Ali (AlSammak)

Sadeq Jaafar Ali (AlSammak) was a 16-year-old Bahraini student from the town of Al Aali when he was arrested by Bahraini authorities on 5 October 2017, while he was on his way to school. The arrest was carried out without a warrant. During his detention, he endured torture, insults, solitary confinement, enforced disappearance, isolation, denial[…]