The Cross-Sectarian Appeal of Sheikh Nimr’s Ideals

Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr was an ardent advocate against all forms of oppression. He was a Shia cleric who pushed for equality for Saudi Arabia’s Shia Muslim population, while also promoting increased political freedom for the kingdom’s Sunni Muslims. His ideals have resonated around the country and across sectarian lines. Much of the appeal of[…]

The Consequences of Complicity

Last week the United States (US) Senate failed to pass a bipartisan resolution (SJ Res 39) that would have condemned and suspended a $1.15 billion tank sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The debate took place after incriminating reports revealed US weapons were involved in recent, and particularly heinous, attacks in Yemen.  The failure[…]

US Senate Fails to Block $1.15 billion Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia

22 September 2016 – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) expresses serious concern regarding the United States Senate’s decision yesterday to table a bipartisan resolution halting a $1.15 billion arms sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Senate’s failure to block this arms sale threatens to deepen US complicity in Saudi[…]

Restrictive Policies Hinder Saudi Civil Society

In countries with limited democratic processes, civil society organizations are essential outlets through which citizens engage with their communities, contribute their ideas on the state, and address domestic human rights issues. However, in Saudi Arabia authorities repress what little opportunity citizens have to participate in nongovernmental associations (NGOs) through an onerous and restrictive licensing policy[…]

Facing the Death Sentence in Saudi Arabia for Alleged Crimes Committed as Minors

Since 2011, Saudi authorities have arrested more than 60 children, among them Ali al-Nimr, Abdullah al-Zaher, Dawood al-Marhoon, Ali al-Rabeh, and Amin Mohammed Aqla al-Ghamidi. It has executed some of them, including al-Rabeh and al-Ghamidi. Others, like al-Nimr, al-Zaher, and al-Marhoon, remain in custody awaiting execution or the death penalty. At least 10 young men[…]