European-Bahraini relations: How the EU has favoured commercial interests over the integrity of its own citizens

Since 2011 the European Union’s (EU) diplomatic engagement with Bahrain has been far from reaching the laudable human rights standards the organization set for itself. Since the 1990’s, an anthology of EU legislation and official declarations have presented the EU as an inherently value-based organization. Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union provides that[…]

G20 Leaders: Help Free Saudi Activists

Throughout Oct – Nov 2020, Saudi Arabia is hosting the G20 (including Women 20, Civil Society 20, Urban 20 and Business 20). We are now calling on all government officials to use their power and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all Saudi Activists. Since May 2018 the Free Saudi Activists Coalition has[…]

US – Gulf Relations: Congressional responsibility in the protection of human rights

The United States Constitution places Congress as a coequal branch of the Federal Government and specifically makes clear its authority to regulate and hold accountable the actions of the President, even in the field of foreign affairs. Federal statutes also lay out the mechanisms by which private arms sales can be made to foreign governments:[…]

German Parliamentary Questions Addressing Human Rights Issues in Bahrain

Since 2011 Members of the German Bundestag (MPs), in particular those belonging to left-wing political parties (The Left – Die Linke and The Greens – Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), have posed questions to the German government on at least forty occasions concerning the issue of arms exports and the human rights situation in Bahrain. Following the[…]

Profile in Persecution: Husain Najeeb Eid

Husain Najeeb Eid was a 22-year-old university student when he was arbitrarily detained by the Bahraini authorities. During his interrogation, he was subjected to several human rights violations. He is currently detained in Jau Prison. Husain suffers from sickle cell anemia but is denied proper health care by the prison administration. Recently, Husain was a cause[…]