In April 2025, Bahrain witnessed a sharp and troubling escalation in arbitrary arrests, marking a shift in state repression not seen in years. 22 individuals were detained throughout the month, including several women—a rare and notable development. While five were eventually released, 17 remain in custody. This sudden wave of detentions, coinciding with the Bahrain[…]
12
May
May
27 human rights organizations issued a joint letter regarding the human rights situation in Bahrain, addressed to member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The letter coincides with the Council’s 59th session and the upcoming Eid al-Adha, highlighting the serious violations against activists and opposition figures held in arbitrary detention. Re:[…]
02
May
May
On 30 January 2025, Saudi Arabia and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) announced an agreement to open a regional office in Saudi Arabia to support law enforcement efforts across the Middle East and North Africa. This included plans for the new office to cooperate with regional structures such as the Arab Interiors Ministers’ Council[…]
28
Apr
Apr
On 24 April 2025, three United Nations Special Rapporteurs published an allegation letter on their websites, sent to the Government of Bahrain on 17 February 2025, regarding the case of Bahraini human rights defender and blogger Naji Fateel. The letter raised serious concerns about retaliatory actions following Fateel’s release under royal pardon on 8 April[…]
14
Apr
Apr
On April 13, 2025, Bahrain hosted its 20th Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir—an event once again promoted as a celebration of global sport and national pride. But for many human rights advocates, this milestone doesn’t represent progress. Instead, it marks two decades of sportswashing—the use of international events to[…]
