French MP Frederique Dumas Addresses the Minister for Europe And Foreign Affairs Concerning the Blighted Treatment of Female Government Critics in Bahrain – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain

French parliament representative, Frederique Dumas, called up the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves le Drian to highlight the frequent human rights violations against women in Bahrain. Frederique Dumas, politician and film producer, who was elected as a deputy of the National Assembly in 2017, where she …

For ADHRB Weekly Newsletter 350, click here.

Bahrain and the politics of COVID-19 – Responsible Statecraft

According to Johns Hopkins University, as of May 22, 2020, Bahrain has registered 8,000 positive cases of the coronavirus, with 12 deaths. The reported numbers are suspect, especially as Bahrain’s neighbors report much higher totals of positive cases- Saudi Arabia more than 67,000, Qatar over 40,000, the UAE over 26,000, and Kuwait more than 19,000.

Profiles in Persecution: Ali Husain AlTaraifi – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain

Ali is a high school student in Jidhafs Secondary Industrial School for Boys, and he is a former volleyball player at the Bani Jamra Club. Ali was arrested several times, sometimes multiple times in one day; on 13 February 2014, when only 12, he was severely beaten by police. At …

For ADHRB Weekly 349, click here.

From 14 Countries and 22 Capitals and Cities: Voices Demand the Release of Bahraini Political Prisoners

With the hashtag #ReleasePoliticalPrisoners, students and activists all over Europe expressed their concern and demanded the immediate release of political prisoners in Bahrain. On March 17, 2020, Bahrain completed the release of 1,486 prisoners, 901 of whom received royal pardons on “humanitarian grounds.” The remaining 585 were given non-custodial sentences.

For ADHRB Weekly Newsletter #346, click here.

Profile in Persecution: Fadhel Abbas Sahwan – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain

Fadhel Abbas Sahwan was a football player on the first team of the Galali Bahraini Club. Following high school, he worked as a driver at the National Motor Company. On 5 March 2017 he was violently arrested at his grandmother’s house in Sanabis. He was tortured and subjected to an …

For ADHRB Weekly Newsletter #344, click here.

BIRD Director Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei wins Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award

17 April 2020 – Yesterday, BIRD Director of Advocacy Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei was awarded an Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award for his tireless campaigning for human rights in Bahrain. The prestigious award comprises a year-long fellowship with Index to help winners “maximise their impact, broaden their support and ensure they continue to excel…

For BIRD Weekly 267, click here.

Profiles in Persecution: Abdulla Habib Swar – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain

Abdulla was a student and a football player for Al-Shabab Club when he was arrested in 2019, after authorities pursued him for six years for his participation in the peaceful protest and religious events demanding democracy in 2013. Since his arrest, Abdulla has been tortured and convicted in unfair trials; …

For ADHRB Weekly Newsletter 343, click here.

Profiles in Persecution: Abbas Ismaeel Ghuloom – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain

Abbas Ismaeel Ghuloom was a professional football player in Bahrain, having played for the Manama Club and the national team between the years 2000 and 20O2. He graduated from Ahlia University and worked as an accountant in the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait for seven years. In March 2011, he …

For ADHRB Weekly Newsletter 341, click here.

The Coronavirus Is Exacerbating Sectarian Tensions in the Middle East

The novel coronavirus is advancing across the Middle East, straining frail public health services and exacerbating preexisting political and sectarian tensions, both within states and between regional rivals.

Bahrain: Death Sentences Despite Torture Claims

(Beirut) – Bahrain’s authorities should overturn the death sentences following unfair trials against two men who say they were tortured, Human Rights Watch and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) said today. The Court of Cassation, Bahrain’s court of last resort, will issue the final verdict in the coming weeks.

See also ADHRB Weekly 338 here.