Khaled Al-Omair and Saudi Arabia’s Abusive Prison Practices

On 12 April 2017, the Saudi Arabian government released human rights defender Khaled Al-Omair from prison, more than six months after the completion of his eight-year sentence. He had been imprisoned on charges including “breaking obedience with the ruler” and “embarking on a protest.” These charges related to his attempts to hold demonstrations protesting Israeli[…]

ADHRB Welcomes Rapporteur on Terrorism’s Observations After Saudi Visit

On 4 May 2017, Ben Emmerson, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, returned from a five-day visit of Saudi Arabia. Upon the conclusion of his trip, he released his preliminary observations. While he noted that the Saudi government was engaging in some positive steps to[…]

Spotlight on Bahrain’s Human Rights Record: Bahrain Undergoes 3rd Cycle UPR Review

Today, the United Nations Human Rights Council conducted Bahrain’s 3rd Cycle Universal Periodic Review, in which states issued recommendations to the Government of Bahrain to improve its human rights record. Dozens of states gave recommendations that encompassed thematic issue areas ranging from improving religious freedom to halting executions, from strengthening women’s rights to protecting freedom of[…]

Complaint against Al Arabiya News channel upheld

On 24 April 2017, the United Kingdom’s communications regulatory agency upheld a complaint against Al Arabiya News channel for unfair treatment towards imprisoned Bahraini torture victim Hassan Mushaima. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) filed the complaint on behalf of Mushaima with the Office of Communications (Ofcom) last year. It alleged that[…]

Bahrain: US must ensure military patrol boat transfer does not facilitate abuse

19 April 2017 – The United States Government has disclosed that Bahrain will receive five American-made Mark V military patrol boats by 1 August 2017. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) is deeply concerned by the recent increase in unrestricted US weapons transfers to Bahrain, and we urge the US Government to[…]