Scrutinizing the State of “Freedom of the Press’’ Across GCC States

Historically, Gulf Cooperation Countries have used a strategy of repression by imposing state control of the media or through broad laws and strict censorship. Often, the governments justify this control by referring to social values like cohesiveness and harmony in society. However, this strategy poses journalists in the Gulf at extreme risk. They are harassed,[…]

Bahrain’s Struggle: Eroding Freedom of Expression, Peaceful Assembly, and Protest

The Bahraini government’s systematic suppression of freedom of expression, assembly, and peaceful protest is evident through a series of repressive laws and practices. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has highlighted these issues, particularly focusing on the political and civil isolation laws enacted in 2018. Americans for Democracy and Human Rights had covered before the consequences of[…]

Kuwait: Anticipated Developments for Bidoon Activists

On 17 July 2023, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) launched an international campaign advocating for the rights of the ”Bidoon”. Aiming to secure access to essential services in education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of assembly, ADHRB called for the end of the discriminatory practices of Kuwait’s government. In addition, shortly after[…]

Unveiling the Shocking Reality: UAE’s Sham Trial Amid COP28 Exposes Human Rights Contempt

The Emirati authorities’ commencement of a mass trial involving over 80 Emiratis, including prominent human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience, has sent shockwaves globally. The trial coinciding with COP28, billed as the ‘most inclusive COP ever,’ reflects the UAE’s blatant disregard for human rights and its unwillingness to address the dire state of rights[…]

Political Prisoners Released in Bahrain: Deprived of Their Freedom Even Outside Bars

In light of Bahrain’s decade-long policy of silence regarding its citizens’ demands for reform and democracy, thousands of Bahraini youth and children who participated in the 2011 popular movement have spent a significant portion of their lives behind prison bars. In some cases, these prison sentences have exceeded the young ages of the prisoners. International[…]