Suppression of Online Expression in Saudi Arabia

1.1. The legislative framework In Saudi Arabia, online expression is heavily restricted by a combination of laws, regulations, and enforcement practices that aim to control the flow of information and suppress dissent. The government employs various mechanisms to monitor and censor online content, targeting individuals and platforms that challenge its authority or promote views deemed[…]

The Aftermath of Kuwait’s Amnesty Scheme: The Start of Another Mass Deportation

The Kuwaiti government ran an amnesty scheme for “illegal immigrants” from 17 March 2024 to 30 June 2024, which was extended from the initial deadline of 17 June. This grace period was intended to give those illegally in the country the time to either pay the penalties and regularize their status or leave the country[…]

AI Regulation in Saudi Arabia: Innovation over Human Rights

With the global rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), countries have increasingly adopted regulations to restrict the use of this new technology, exemplified by the AI Act in the European Union. In contrast, Gulf governments have taken a more business-friendly approach to AI regulation, raising concerns about potential breaches of their populations’ privacy rights. Notably, Saudi[…]

Saudi Arabia’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council: the Truth from NGOs Vs. the Lies of the Saudi Human Rights Commission

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is an important tool to keep states accountable, combat impunity for human rights violations, and promote open dialogue on human rights issues. Nevertheless, states such as Saudi Arabia notoriously do not follow through on their promises to implement recommendations, a fact that many at Saudi Arabia’s fourth Universal Periodic Review[…]

ADHRB Raises the Alarm Over Cuts to Electricity and Water and Denial of Medical Care for Protesting Prisoners in Jau Prison – Urges Immediate Action

ADHRB is expressing its deep concerns about the recent reports of escalating human rights violations that are occurring at Jau Prison in Bahrain. The new escalation of cutting off electricity and water on extremely hot summer days to protesting  prisoners  while denying them medical care,  is the newest form of retaliation by prison officials and[…]