Bahrain Advances Constitutional Amendment Freeing Military Courts to Try Civilians

21 February 2017 – The lower house of Bahrain’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment removing restrictions the ability of military courts to try civilians. The amendment, which is reported to have been initially proposed by the office of the king, was passed in a 31-1 vote by the forty-member Council of Representatives. With the approval[…]

Bahrain courts postpone trial of HRD Nabeel Rajab, deny bail

21 February 2017 – This morning, the Government of Bahrain again postponed the two trials of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab. Bahrain courts have brought two cases against Rajab for exercising his internationally-sanctioned rights to free expression. He has been subjected to imprisonment and ill-treatment since June 2016. We, the undersigned NGOs, strongly urge the[…]

Al-Arab TV closes in Qatar following censorship in Bahrain

The Al-Arab News Channel, owned by Saudi prince and philanthropist Al Waleed bin Talal Abudaliziz al Saud, has been permanently shut down before its first broadcast in Doha, a Saudi news site reported. The television channel had previously premiered in Manama, Bahrain in 2015. However, Bahraini authorities forced it to close after its first airing,[…]

EVENT SUMMARY: Recommendations for Reform: How Can the U.S. Diminish Destabilization in Bahrain?

On 14 February 2017, the sixth anniversary of Bahrain’s pro-democracy uprising, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) and the Office of Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) hosted a panel at the Russell US Senate Office Building entitled “Recommendations for reform: How can the US diminish destabilization in Bahrain?” Panelists included Maryam al-Khawaja, Bahraini[…]

European Parliament Condemns Executions in Bahrain

16 February 2017 – The European Parliament has voted through a Resolution on Executions in Kuwait and Bahrain condemning the recent executions in these countries. We, the undersigned, welcome the resolution and call on Bahrain to listen to the European Parliament’s calls and halt imminent executions and respect the rights and freedoms of the Bahraini[…]