UN Experts: Mass Trial in Bahrain Violated Human Rights – Torture, Enforced Disappearances, and Unfair Trials

On 5 November 2018, five UN rights experts published an allegation letter concerning the unfair mass trial of 138 Bahraini citizens for their alleged involvement in a terror cell, named the Zulfiqar Brigades by the government. In the letter, the experts, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges[…]

UPDATED: Bahrain Harasses Shia Clerics Ahead of Ashura Amid Wider Attack on Religious Freedom

**Updated 07 November 2018 – Individuals detained during Ashura, including AbdulMajeed Abdulla Mohsen, have been released except for one. However, clerics continue to be targeted, with two other clerics arrested on 29 October due to their religious discourse around Ashura. **Updated 26 October 2018 – There are clerics who remain in detention since September. On 19 September, AbdulMajeed[…]

Bahrain UN Side Event on Religious Tolerance Omits Rampant Discrimination and Abuse

2 October 2018 – On 29 September, the Bahraini government launched a renewed effort to whitewash its abysmal record of state-sponsored religious discrimination in one of the world’s most prominent international forums. At a side event in New York City, coinciding with the 73rd Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (GA), Bahraini officials[…]

Profiles in Persecution: Sheikh Hasan Isa

Sheikh Hasan Isa Marzooq is a 47-year-old Bahraini Shia cleric who has been targeted for religious and political persecution. He was arbitrarily arrested, threatened, and subjected to an unfair trial. He currently remains in Jau Prison, where authorities continue to deprive him of medical care. Sheikh Hasan formerly served as a Member of Parliament for[…]

Rather than Address Shia Discrimination in Bahrain, US Officials Praise its Whitewashing Efforts

27 July 2018 – Yesterday, Bahrain announced the appointment of an Ambassador-at-Large for Peaceful Coexistence and Religious Freedom. This announcement was applauded by several United States (US) officials including State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert, who also commended Bahrain’s “welcoming environment for religious minorities and their right to worship.” Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in[…]