Profiles in Persecution: Ahmed Merza Ismaeel

Ahmed Merza Ismaeel was arrested without a warrant by security forces wearing civilian clothing on 11 September 2013. Since then, he has been subjected to torture, convicted in a collective judgment based on coerced confessions, denied basic necessities such as prison clothing and a blanket, and deprived of necessary medical care by the Jau Prison[…]

ADHRB Observes UN International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

Today, 2 November 2017, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) observes the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists established by the United Nations (UN). Around the world, over 900 journalists have died in the past ten years while bringing news and information to the public. However, only one in[…]

ADHRB Sends Letters to US Government Requesting Inquiry into Sheikh Nasser’s Rights Record

Today, 1 November 2017, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) submitted open letters to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis raising our concerns over deepening American security ties with the Government of Bahrain and particularly Royal Guard Commander Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa – one of[…]

Family Members of BIRD’s Director of Advocacy Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison as Reprisal Trial Concludes

31 October 2017 – The Bahraini authorities yesterday convicted three innocent family members of exiled human rights defender Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei in a show trial aimed at the suppression of his UK-based work. We, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn the arbitrary arrest, torture and unfair trial of Hajer Mansoor Hassan, Sayed Nizar Alwadaei and Mahmood Marzooq[…]

Bahrain: Journalist, Activists Convicted in Unfair Mass Trial

30 October 2017 – A Bahraini court today convicted 19 individuals on terror charges after an unfair mass trial, with penalties ranging from ten years to life in prison. Fifteen of the defendants were stripped of their citizenship. Among those convicted were former Al-Wasat journalist Mahmood al-Jazeeri; Husain Abdulwahab Husain, son of imprisoned opposition leader[…]