The Unthought in Islam: The Shi`a and Shi`ism in the Western Diaspora

The Edinburgh workshop addressed Shii perceptions about being Shii in Scotland, the UK and elsewhere in the Western diaspora. The workshop was held in Edinburgh over 5-7 May, 2017 and included academic presentations and discussions by representatives of the faith community itself.

HRC urged to investigate war crimes in Yemen, UN Special Rapporteurs challenge Bahrain’s dictator VOB.ORG

HRC urged to investigate war crimes in Yemen, UN Special Rapporteurs challenge Bahrain’s dictator In a report published on Tuesday 5th September, the UN human rights office challenged the U.N. Human Rights Council, which meets this month, to agree to look into atrocities committed during what it called an “entirely man-made catastrophe”.

Incidents of Anti-Shiism in August, 2017 – Shia Rights Watch

Scores of violations bear witness to the continued systematic targeting of the Shia Muslim population around the world. The breaches of human rights range from arrest and detainment to sexual abuse and torture in prisons, and as seen this month, mass execution.

Where is Sayed Alawi?

I just supported Where is Sayed Alawi? on @ThunderclapIt // @ADHRB

See more here on Sayed Alawi.
See also 16 year old Mohamed Ebrahim Ali.
See more here on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

For more, see analysis by ADHRB.

UK and the Gulf:

Security, political and moral impasse

To mark the Independence Day

Bahrain Opposition Bloc in UK Cordially invites you to a

Seminar and Press briefing

Time: 11.00 Monday 14th August 2017

Place: Diskus Room, UNITE, the Union, 128 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8TN

Speakers

Andy Murray (Unite)

Ben Petlar (Reprieve)

Jawad Fairooz (Salaam & Former Bahraini MP)

Isla Woodcock (Civil rights activist)

Megha Ramesh (BIRD)

Dr Saeed Shehabi (BFM)

In mid August 1971 British forces were withdrawn from the Gulf region after decades of unchallenged control. Several Sheikhdoms, including Bahrain, gained their “independence”. The British legacy in those new entities has been marred by dictatorship, bleak record of human rights and abandonment of basic values and principles of modern statehood.

The Bahraini people still live the terrifying nightmare of that brutal legacy. Isn’t it time for UK to change its policy in the Gulf, embrace democracy and human rights and end the destructive policy of appeasements of dictators?

Topics

Andrew Murray will discuss the UK’s relationship with Bahrain ​and the Gulf​ and its impacts on human rights​ and political challenges​

Ben Pitler will address the controversial role the UK’s assistance to Bahrain has played in these events​, including public order training​ and the country’s first executions in six years in January

Jawad Fairooz will speak about his direct experiences as a former MP and member of the opposition, and the current political crisis facing Bahrain.

Isla Woodcock will discuss her experiences protesting at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and discuss the controversial royal relationship that event exposed.

Megha Ramesh will discuss the reprisals against women in Bahrain and the unprecedented risks they face from authorities willing to employ torture and sexual violence to suppress women voices.

Saeed Shehabi will present a historical overview of Bahrain’s politics and the UK’s involvement and provide an insight into the roots of the current political and human rights crisis in Bahrain.

For more information please contact Ali Al Fayez on 07965666644

Bi-Annual Anti-Shiism Report – Shia Rights Watch

The first half of 2017 has been a turbulent time for Shia Muslims all over the world. Anti-Shiism, or the active targeting of Shia Muslim to limit their visibility and expression, was prevalent in across the globe. Shia Muslims, including their sub groups, make up approximately 50% of the total Muslim population.

Calls to stop Saudi executions, UK MPs call for Rajab’s release VOB.ORG

International pressure is mounting on the Saudi regime to stop the execution of 14 innocent citizens from the Eastern Province. They are accused of taking part in anti-regime protests in 2011. Maya Foa, director of Reprieve, the human rights campaign group, called for Britain and America to step in.

Profiles in Persecution: Khalil Ebrahim al-Saffar – Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain

Khalil Ebrahim al-Saffar is a 21-year-old Bahraini citizen who was detained on 15 September 2015 from his family’s home. Six security officers raided the house without a warrant or any explanation. The family was informed that Khalil would be returned after an hour-long interrogation; instead, he never came back home.

How Bahrain uses sport to whitewash a legacy of torture and human rights abuses | David Conn

The cyclist Sonny Colbrelli secured prominent exposure for the name of his Bahrain Merida team early in the Tour de France, heading the group sprint at the end of the second stage in Liège before finishing a creditable sixth.