On 17 September 2026, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) delivered an intervention during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, as part of a high-level panel marking the 60th anniversary of the International Covenants on Human Rights. ADHRB highlighted Bahrain’s continued arbitrary arrests of individuals for peacefully expressing their views and exercising their religious freedoms, including in connection with protests, religious gatherings, and expressions of solidarity with political prisoners. ADHRB urged the Council to call on Bahrain to release all those arbitrarily detained for peacefully exercising their rights and to end the criminalization of freedom of expression, assembly, and religious practice.
As we mark the 60th anniversary of the International Covenants on Human Rights, we draw the Council’s attention to Bahrain’s continued arbitrary arrests of individuals for peacefully expressing their views and exercising their religious freedoms.
Authorities have arrested dozens for protesting U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, mourning religious leader Ali Khamenei, and expressing opposition to Bahrain’s involvement in the war. Authorities also banned protests nationwide, citing public safety.
Individuals have further been arrested for peacefully expressing solidarity with political prisoners, including Hasan Mushaima. Arrests, raids, roadblocks, threats, and the detention of dozens, including minors, followed peaceful prayer gatherings outside his family home.
During Ashura, authorities removed religious symbols and responded to peaceful protests with sound grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets, injuring and arresting several young men.
We urge the Council to call on Bahrain to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained for exercising these rights and end the criminalization of peaceful expression, assembly, and religious practice.
