Government-sponsored oppression of Shia in Saudi Arabia is well documented. But government oppression also affects the populace more broadly, through legislation which violates fundamental human rights. Several widely-used laws criminalize political and religious criticism of the king, state, or religious establishment, contravening the universal right to freedom of opinion and expression. The government utilizes three[…]
04
Jul
Jul
Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was not always a prominent cleric in Saudi Arabia, but by the time of his execution on 2 January 2016, he had become a symbol of Shia demands for political equality. He began to rise in prominence and popularity in the wake of confrontations between Shia pilgrims and the Saudi[…]
29
Jun
Jun
Since 2011, Bahraini officials have violently repressed activists and opposition political societies. Police used excessive force to disperse peaceful protesters demanding political reform in the Manama Pearl Roundabout. To further immobilize pro-democracy initiatives, Bahraini forces have arrested human rights defenders and amended laws to criminalize civil society and silence dissenting voices. Most recently, the government[…]
27
Jun
Jun
Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was a prominent voice in the struggle against Shia discrimination in Saudi Arabia. He played a large and symbolic role in the 2011-2012 demonstrations in the Eastern Province. As a result of his support for the peaceful protests, Saudi security forces arrested him in 2012 and sentenced him to death. His death[…]
20
Jun
Jun
20 June 2016 – Washington, DC – In its latest attempt to stifle free speech and expression, the Government of Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim. Sheikh Isa is highly regarded as the spiritual leader of Bahrain’s Shia population, who make up the majority of the country. A Bahrain Ministry of[…]
