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[…]
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:[…]
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[…]
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[…]
Aqeel Muslem AbdulHusain Juma, a 16-year-old minor and school student, was arrested by Bahraini authorities on 14 January 2025 after appearing for a summons before the High Criminal Court. He is the younger brother of 17-year-old detained minor Abbas Muslem AbdulHusain Juma, who was arrested on 26 August 2024 and convicted on similar charges in[…]