Jailed Opposition Leader Summoned For Questioning Over Tweets

On Sunday, Bahraini authorities questioned Sheikh Ali Salman over “violations” posted on his Twitter account, despite the fact that he remains imprisoned and unable to tweet.  Sheikh Salman, the secretary-general of Bahraini opposition bloc al-Wefaq, is already serving a four-year prison term for inciting hatred, disturbing public peace, and inciting civil disobedience.  Following the interrogation, Bahrain’s prosecutor stated he[…]

European Parliament adopts resolution on EU priorities at 2016 UNHRC sessions

On Thursday, 21 January 2016, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the priorities of the European Union (EU) at the 2016 United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Sessions. The EU resolution strongly condemned the continued harassment and detention of human rights defenders and opposition figures by government forces. 2015 experienced pervasive human rights violations[…]

Bahrain Must Lift Nabeel Rajab’s Travel Ban, say NGOs

21 January 2016 – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain joined a group of 27 NGOs to call upon Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to lift the travel ban that his government imposed upon human rights defender Nabeel Rajab. Find the text of the letter below. His Majesty Sheikh Hamad bin Isa[…]

UAE Court Formally Charges Salim al-Aradi

On Monday, 18 January 2016, after almost a year and a half of detention, an Emirati court has formally charged Salim al-Aradi with two counts of “providing financial support for, and cooperating with, terrorist groups.” When police first arrested al-Aradi, a dual Canadian-Libyan citizen, they did not provide any reason for his arrest. Al-Aradi claims[…]

South Asian Children Reportedly Trafficked for UAE Camel Races

Reportedly trafficking foreign and impoverished children for the purpose of camel racing is a common practice in the United Arab Emirates, where at least 50% of the children trafficked are from West Bengal in India. According to a new report, young boys are preferred to be camel jockeys because they are considered light and speedy[…]