View source for Human rights in Bahrain

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Politics of Bahrain}}
[[Bahrain]]{{'}}s record on human rights has been described by [[Human Rights Watch]] as "dismal", and having "deteriorated sharply in the latter half of 2010".<ref name=HRW2011>{{cite book|url=https://www.hrw.org/en/world-report-2011/world-report-2011-bahrain|title=World Report 2011: Bahrain|author=Human Rights Watch|date=24 January 2011}}</ref> Their subsequent report in 2020 noted that the human rights situation in the country had not improved.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=World Report 2021: Rights Trends in Bahrain|chapter=Bahrain: Events of 2020 |url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/bahrain|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Human Rights Watch|date=15 December 2020|language=en}}</ref>

The [[Cabinet of Bahrain|government of Bahrain]] has marginalized the native [[Shia Muslim]] population.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bahrainrights.org/en|title=Home|access-date=5 May 2011|archive-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806084554/http://www.bahrainrights.org/en|url-status=dead}}</ref> Torture and [[forced disappearances]] are common in Bahrain. The crackdown on protesters during the [[2011 Arab Spring]] brought further human rights complaints,<ref>[http://jurist.org/paperchase/2011/04/human-rights-organizations-criticize-rampant-abuses-in-bahrain.php Human rights organizations criticize rampant abuses in Bahrain], jurist.org 8 April 2011</ref> including the destruction of dozens of long-standing Shia mosques.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0620/Bahrain-stages-trials-of-opponents-despite-new-US-criticism|title=Bahrain stages trials of opponents, despite new US criticism|author=The Christian Science Monitor|date=20 June 2011|work=The Christian Science Monitor}}</ref>

The [[Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry]] was established on 29 June 2011 by King [[Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa]] to assess the incidents that occurred in the Kingdom during the period of unrest in February and March 2011 and the consequences of these events.<ref name="bna.bh">{{Cite web|url=http://bna.bh/portal/en/news/462963|title=Bahrain News Agency – HM King Hamad Sets up Royal Independent Investigation commission}}</ref> The report was released on 23 November of that year and confirmed that there were some incidents of physical and psychological abuse on detainees.<ref name="bici.org.bh">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bici.org.bh/|title=BICI &#124; Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry|website=www.bici.org.bh}}</ref> It has been criticized for not disclosing the names of individual perpetrators of abuses and extending accountability only to those who actively carried out human rights violations.<ref name="mideast.foreignpolicy.com">{{cite web|url=http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/11/23/bahrain_s_uncertain_future|title=Bahrain's uncertain future|author=Kristian Coates Ulrichsen|date=23 November 2011|work=Foreign Policy}}</ref>

==Stateless people==
{{Main|Bedoon}}
There is a growing problem of [[Statelessness|stateless]] people, known as Bedoon, who are descendants of [[Iranian peoples|Iranians]] (especially ethnic [[Persian people|Persian]]s)<ref name="stat" /> who have lived in Bahrain for many decades.<ref name="stat">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hsU798UPaeYC&pg=PA47|title=Iranians in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates: Migration, Minorities, and Identities in the Persian Gulf Arab States|publisher= Eric Andrew McCoy|pages=47–48|year=2008|isbn=9780549935070}}</ref><ref name="ar">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xIJBiLdNJm4C&pg=PP55|title=World Migration 2005 Costs and Benefits of International Migration|publisher=International Organization for Migration|page=53|year=2005|isbn=9788171885503}}</ref> Most of Bahrain's stateless are Muslims, some of Bahrain's stateless are Christians.<ref name="ar" />

In Bahrain, stateless people are denied the right to hold legal residency,<ref name="stat" /> are not allowed the right to travel abroad,<ref name="stat" /> buy houses,<ref name="stat" /> and to hold government jobs.<ref name="stat" /> They are also not allowed to own land,<ref name="ar" /> start a business and borrow loans.<ref name="ar" /> Recently, the Bahraini government issued regulations preventing them from sending their children to public schools and to receive free medical care.<ref name="stat" /> The stateless can also get deported at any time.<ref name="stat" /> Since the beginning of the 1980s, the Bahraini government has deported hundreds of Bedoon to [[Iran]].<ref name="stat" />

==Torture==
{{Main|Torture in Bahrain}}
Despite repeated government claims of improvement over the course of several years,<ref>[http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/(Symbol)/CAT.C.CR.34.BHR.En?Opendocument Conclusions and recommendations of the Committee against Torture : Bahrain., Committee Against Torture], United Nations Commission for Human Rights, 21 June 2005</ref><ref>[http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/050929/2005092919.html Bahrain ended issue of systematic torture] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927222602/http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/050929/2005092919.html |date=27 September 2007 }}, Arabic News.com, 29 September 2005</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] claims that "torture is a regular part of the legal process in Bahrain."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/03/31/bahrains-torture-problem|title=Bahrain's torture problem|work=Human Rights Watch|date=31 March 2010}}</ref>

According to a 2011 report by [[Human Rights Watch]], between 2007 and 2009, the government regularly practiced torture and ill-treatment in interrogating security suspects.<ref name=HRW2011/> Although government spokesmen have issued denials, there is no evidence of criminal investigations and the government has not imposed disciplinary measures on the alleged perpetrators.<ref name=HRW2011/>

In 2011, Human Rights Watch claimed to have found evidence that protections for [[Migrant workers in Bahrain|migrant workers]] have improved.<ref name=HRW2011/>

According to a report published by [[Reprieve (organisation)|Reprieve]] and [[Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy]], death sentences in Bahrain have increased by over 600% in the last ten years. The report also called the use of torture in Bahrain "[[Endemism|endemic]]", revealing cases of forced confessions, electric shocks, beatings and attempted rape.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bahrain-death-penalty-torture-rise-report|title=Bahrain: Use of death penalty and torture on the rise, says report|access-date=13 July 2021|publisher=Middle East Eye}}</ref>

===Hakeem al-Araibi held in Thailand===

In November 2018, a Bahraini footballer [[Hakeem al-Araibi]], who had been sentenced in absentia by Bahrain to 10 years in prison for vandalising a police station, was arrested upon arrival in [[Thailand]] with his wife for their honeymoon. The footballer, who was given refugee status by [[Australia]] in 2014, urged the Thailand authorities not to deport him to Bahrain as he was previously tortured in Bahrain for his political views.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47113179?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c302m85q5rjt/human-rights&link_location=live-reporting-story|title=Bahraini footballer pleads in court against deportation|access-date=4 February 2019|work=BBC News|date=4 February 2019}}</ref>

He was kept in detention in Thailand while the Australian government and many international organisations and individuals lobbied for his release, until it was announced on 11 February 2019 by the Thai Office of the Attorney-General (OAG)<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|date=11 February 2019|access-date=11 February 2019|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47196696|title=Hakeem al-Araibi: Thailand frees refugee footballer}}</ref> that the extradition case against al-Araibi had been dropped by the criminal court at Bahrain's request. No reason was given by the foreign ministry, but the decision was made under Section 21 of the Prosecution Act, which allows for cases to be dropped if not in the public interest, and he would be released and allowed to return to Australia as soon as possible.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=SBS News|date=11 February 2019|access-date=11 February 2019|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/we-won-hakeem-al-araibi-set-to-walk-free-after-thai-court-drops-extradition-order|title='We won': Hakeem Al-Araibi set to walk free after Thai court drops extradition order}}</ref>

==Discrimination==

===Against ethnic Iranians===
{{See also|Ajam of Bahrain}}
According to reports from 2013 and 2016  [[Ajam of Bahrain|Bahrainis of an Iranian descent]] (Like Bushehri [[Lurs]], and [[Achomi people|Achomis]]) that have a [[Shia Islam|Shia]] background face systematic racism whereas Sunni Achomis do not.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-09-15 |title=العجم السنة في الخليج لم يواجهوا تمييزاً عرقيا |trans-title=Sunni Ajams in Khaleej/Gulf (GCC) did not face ethnic discrimination |url=https://www.almesbar.net/%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d8%ac%d9%85-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b3%d9%86%d8%a9-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ae%d9%84%d9%8a%d8%ac-%d9%84%d9%85-%d9%8a%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%ac%d9%87%d9%88%d8%a7-%d8%aa%d9%85%d9%8a%d9%8a%d8%b2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610170503/https://www.almesbar.net/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%AC-%D9%84%D9%85-%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%8A%D8%B2/ |archive-date=2023-06-10 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=مركز المسبار للدراسات والبحوث |language=ar}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=الإعلامي |first=الطاقم |date=2022-12-02 |title=لجنة القضاء على التمييز العنصري في مراجعتها تنتقد قصور البحرين في قضايا حقوق الإنسان الرئيسية |trans-title=CERD Review Criticizes Bahrain's Shortcomings on Key Human Rights Issues |url=https://www.adhrb.org/ar/?p=8992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127200636/https://www.adhrb.org/ar/?p=8992 |archive-date=2023-01-27 |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=منظمة أمريكيون من أجل الديمقراطية وحقوق الانسان في البحرين |language=ar}}</ref> Some Sunni Achomis object to being classified as "[[Ajam]]" (a term usually used to refer to non-Arabs and especially people of Iranian ancestry in GCC countries and especially Achomis),<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kokherdi |first=Mehran |title=تاریخ جنوب فارس لارستان و بستک |edition=1 |pages=7 |trans-title=History of South Fars/Persia Laristan and Bastak}}</ref> and argue that this term only refers to people who migrated from Iran with a Shia background.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=إلى إسماعيل أكبري... افتخر بعجميّتك ولا تبالي |trans-title=To Ismail Akbari... Be proud of your Persianness and don't care |url=http://bahrainmirror.com/news/55252.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902234844/http://bahrainmirror.com/news/55252.html |archive-date=2019-09-02 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=مرآة البحرين |language=ar}}</ref> The researcher pointed out that the linguistic and religious situation of the Sunni Persians in Bahrain is thorny, and that there is sometimes deliberate confusion between the "Huwala Arabs" and the "Sunni Persians/Achomis."<ref name=":1" />

Iranians of Bahrain could quite often face discrimination and [[racism]],<ref name=":28">{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Salam |date=2016-05-15 |title=Report: Discrimination against the Ajam minority in Bahrain |url=https://salam-dhr.org/1676/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718015640/https://salam-dhr.org/1676/ |archive-date=2024-07-18 |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=SALAM DHR |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Salam |date=2016-05-15 |title=ملخص تقرير حول التمييز ضد الأقلية العجم في البحرين |url=https://salam-dhr.org/%D9%85%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%B5-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%8A%D8%B2-%D8%B6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AC/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907155407/https://salam-dhr.org/%D9%85%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%B5-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%8A%D8%B2-%D8%B6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%82%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AC/ |archive-date=2024-09-07 |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=SALAM DHR |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="achomi_fam">{{Cite web |last=ADMIN |date=2016-07-19 |title=Persian (Larestani/Khodmooni) Sunnis – A shaping force in Bahrain |url=https://sonsofsunnah.com/2016/07/19/sunni-larestanikhodmooni-persians-a-shaping-force-in-bahrain/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625195510/https://sonsofsunnah.com/2016/07/19/sunni-larestanikhodmooni-persians-a-shaping-force-in-bahrain/ |archive-date=2024-06-25 |access-date=2024-09-07 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |title=من جيران إلى أجانب: الإيرانيون في البحرين في أوائل القرن العشرين |url=https://www.dohainstitute.org/ar/Events/From-Neighbors-to-Foreigners-Iranians-in-Bahrain-in-the-Early-Twentieth-Century/Pages/index.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604235641/https://www.dohainstitute.org/ar/Events/From-Neighbors-to-Foreigners-Iranians-in-Bahrain-in-the-Early-Twentieth-Century/Pages/index.aspx |archive-date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=www.dohainstitute.org |language=ar-JO}}</ref> and their loyalty is always questioned.<ref name=":92">{{Cite journal |date=2009-10-28 |title=تاريخ العرق الفارسي في البحرين |trans-title=History of the Persian race in Bahrain |url=https://hamedkenani.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/d8aad8a7d8b1d98ad8ae-d8a7d984d8b9d8b1d982-d8a7d984d981d8a7d8b1d8b3d98a-d981d98a-d8a7d984d8a8d8add8b1d98ad986.pdf |url-status=live |journal=[[Al-Waqt]] |issue=1346 |pages= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612000000/https://hamedkenani.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/d8aad8a7d8b1d98ad8ae-d8a7d984d8b9d8b1d982-d8a7d984d981d8a7d8b1d8b3d98a-d981d98a-d8a7d984d8a8d8add8b1d98ad986.pdf |archive-date=2024-06-12}} [https://archive.org/download/20240903_20240903_2041/%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%82%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%8A%20%D9%81%D9%8A%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%86.pdf Alt URL]</ref>{{rp||pages=88–95}} Sectarian conflicts following the [[Iranian Revolution|Islamic revolution of Iran]],<ref name=":92" />{{rp|96}} [[2011 Bahraini uprising|2011 events]], along with [[Islamic extremism]],<ref name=":92" />{{rp||pages=99–100}} attributed to divisions among the Ajams of Bahrain.

While school students in [[Iran]] study [[Modern Standard Arabic|Modern Standard (Formal) Arabic]],<ref name="TT">{{cite news |title=With the verve of words: Learning foreign languages in Iran |url=http://www.tehrantimes.com/component/content/article/94791 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123103827/http://www.tehrantimes.com/component/content/article/94791 |archive-date=2012-11-23 |access-date=2012-02-07 |newspaper=Tehran Times}}</ref> Bahrainis of [[Ethnicities in Iran|Iranian origins]] or [[Iranian peoples|Iranian ancestry]] cannot study [[Persian language|Farsi]], or any other [[Iranian languages]], the suggestion was made between 1919-1923 and ignored.<ref name=":112">{{Cite journal |last1=Stephenson |first1=Lindsey |date=2019 |title=Between Modern and National Education: The 'Ajam Schools of Bahrain and Kuwait |journal=Arabian Humanities |volume=12 |doi=10.4000/cy.4887 |doi-access=free}}</ref>{{rp||page=292}} Citizenship laws in the Gulf Arab states currently mandate prolonged residency and a satisfactory proficiency in [[Arabic]] as prerequisites for applying for citizenship. This can indefinitely extend the stateless status of many Gulf Iranians, particularly those facing linguistic or other challenges.<ref name="iranians_bhuae">{{Cite book |last=McCoy |first=Eric |url=https://repository.arizona.edu/bitstream/handle/10150/193398/azu_etd_10189_sip1_m.pdf |title=Iranians in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates: Migration, Minorities, and Identities in the Persian Gulf Arab States |publisher=The University of Arizona |year=2008 |isbn=9780549935070 |pages= |language=en |oclc=659750775 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805000000/https://repository.arizona.edu/bitstream/handle/10150/193398/azu_etd_10189_sip1_m.pdf |archive-date=2024-08-05 |url-status=live}} [https://ia600600.us.archive.org/2/items/iranians-in-bahrain-and-the-united-arab-emirates-migration-minorities-and-identi/Iranians%20in%20Bahrain%20and%20the%20United%20Arab%20Emirates%20Migration%20Minorities%20and%20Identities%20in%20the%20Persian%20Gulf%20Arab%20States.pdf Alt URL]</ref>{{rp||page=49}} Furthermore, online content about the country's Persian minority is virtually absent, and media outlets are forbidden from using the Persian language or addressing [[Culture of Iran|Persian culture]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bahrain: Freedom on the Net 2024 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/bahrain/freedom-net/2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221070059/https://freedomhouse.org/country/bahrain/freedom-net/2024 |archive-date=2024-12-21 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Freedom House |language=en}}</ref>

===Against Baharna===

Similarly, it is reported (in 2016) that the native Bahrainis ([[Baharna|Baḥārna]]), who are Shias, also face similar prejudices simply due to their religious background.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=abbas |date=2016-04-09 |title=مقررو الأمم المتحدة يسائلون السلطات البحرينية عن انتهاكات واسعة ضد البحارنة والعجم الشيعة على كافة المستويات |trans-title=UN rapporteurs question Bahraini authorities about widespread violations against Shia Baharna and Ajam at all levels |url=https://bahrainrights.net/?p=7445&lang=ar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810132943/https://bahrainrights.net/?p=7445&lang=ar |archive-date=2024-08-10 |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=مركز البحرين لحقوق الإنسان |language=ar}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

== Sectarianism ==

===Origin===
A sizeable minority of the citizen population of Bahrain are Shia Muslims.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bahrain Opinion Poll Confirms Sectarian Split on Iran, but not on U.S. or Israel {{!}} The Washington Institute |url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/bahrain-opinion-poll-confirms-sectarian-split-iran-not-us-or-israel |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=www.washingtoninstitute.org |language=en}}</ref> The ruling Sunni [[Al Khalifa family]], who were supported by the US, arrived in Bahrain from [[Qatar]] at the end of the eighteenth century. Shiites alleged that the Al Khalifa failed to gain legitimacy in Bahrain and established a system of "political apartheid based on racial, sectarian, and tribal discrimination."<ref name="Nakash">{{cite book |last=Nakash |first=Yitzhak |year=2006 |title=Reaching for Power: The Shi'a in the Modern Arab World |page=24 |url=http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/s8127.pdf |publisher=Princeton University Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103174456/http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/s8127.pdf |archive-date=3 January 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Vali Nasr]], a leading expert on Middle East and Islamic world said "For Shi'ites, Sunni rule has been like living under apartheid".<ref name="Time 5.3.2007">{{cite news | author=[[Bobby Ghosh]] | title = Behind the Sunni-Shi'ite Divide | date=5 March 2007 | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1592849-2,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070226200632/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1592849-2,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 26 February 2007 | access-date=18 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cio.gov.bh/CIO_ARA/English/Publications/Census/2011%2009%2018%20Final%20English%20Census%202010%20Summary%20%20Results%20-%20Review%201.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=27 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502230515/http://www.cio.gov.bh/CIO_ARA/English/Publications/Census/2011%2009%2018%20Final%20English%20Census%202010%20Summary%20%20Results%20-%20Review%201.pdf |archive-date=2 May 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Sectarian discrimination===
{{See also|Bandargate scandal}}
According to ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'', Bahrain is practicing "a form of sectarian apartheid by not allowing Shiites to hold key government posts or serve in the police or military. In fact, the security forces are staffed by Sunnis from Syria and Pakistan who also get fast-tracked to Bahraini citizenship, much to the displeasure of the indigenous Shiite population."<ref name="CSM 15.2.2011">{{cite news | author=Raymond Barrett | title = Bahrain emerging as flashpoint in Middle East unrest | date=15 February 2011 | work=[[The Christian Science Monitor]] | url = http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0215/Bahrain-emerging-as-flashpoint-in-Middle-East-unrest | access-date=18 March 2012}}</ref>

According to the [[Bahrain Centre for Human Rights]], while the Shiites exceed 70% of the population, "they occupy less than 18%  of total top jobs in government establishments. In several government ministries and corporations no Shiite is appointed in leading jobs."<ref name=BCHR>{{cite web|publisher=Bahrain Centre for Human Rights|url=http://www.bahrainrights.org/node/384|title=Sectarian discrimination in the kingdom of Bahrain: The Unwritten Law, A paper Presented to: WANGO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2003 (Toward an Ethical and Caring Global Community) September 25–28, 2003 Bangkok, Thailand|access-date=5 May 2011|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225092851/http://www.bahrainrights.org/node/384|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Jobs in the police and armed forced are reserved for Sunni.<ref name=BCHR/> Sunni Saudis are admitted to Bahrain as citizens to fill these jobs.<ref name=BCHR/><ref name=Breeze>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uiargonaut.com/sections/opinion/stories/2011/april/4111/a_silent_apartheid.html|title=Bethany Breeze "A silent apartheid in Bahrain," April 1, 2011, University of Idaho Argonaut.|access-date=5 May 2011|archive-date=12 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312053551/http://www.uiargonaut.com/sections/opinion/stories/2011/april/4111/a_silent_apartheid.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>''[[Arabia Through the Looking Glass]],'' [[Jonathan Raban]] Picador, 1987, p. 47.</ref> Shiites and "some Sunnis of Persian origins", are banned from residing in the city of [[Riffa|West Riffa]], where only the Sunni Muslims are permitted to live.<ref name=BCHR/>

The Bahraini government's successfully made systematic efforts to diminish the Shia majority by promotion of immigration of Sunni Muslims and granting them citizenship.<ref name=BCHR/><ref name=PTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.vob.org/en/index.php?show=news&action=article&id=390|title="Bahraini Despot Wages Demographic War", February 17, 2009, Voice of Bahrain.|access-date=5 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928051031/http://www.vob.org/en/index.php?show=news&action=article&id=390|archive-date=28 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to Dr. [[Saeeid Shahabi]], a London-based journalist,<ref>commentator and political analyst and member of the [[Bahrain Freedom Movement]]</ref>

On 28 April 2007, the [[Council of Representatives of Bahrain|lower house]] of [[National Assembly of Bahrain|Bahraini Parliament]] passed a law banning unmarried migrant workers from living in residential areas. To justify the law MP Nasser Fadhala, a close ally of the government said "bachelors also use these houses to make alcohol, run [[prostitution|prostitute ring]]s or to rape children and housemaids".<ref name="migrantworkers3"/>

Sadiq Rahma, technical committee head, who is a member of [[Al Wefaq]] said: {{blockquote|The rules we are drawing up are designed to protect the rights of both the families and the Asian bachelors... these labourers often have habits which are difficult for families living nearby to tolerate... they come out of their homes half dressed, brew alcohol illegally in their homes, use prostitutes and make the neighbourhood dirty... these are poor people who often live in groups of 50 or more, crammed into one house or apartment," said Mr Rahma. "The rules also state that there must be at least one bathroom for every five people... there have also been cases in which young children have been sexually molested.<ref name="GDN 23.1.2006">{{cite news | author = [[Tariq Kkonji]] | url = http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=133367 | title = 'No go' rule for bachelor labourers | publisher = [[Gulf Daily News]] | date = 23 January 2006 | access-date = 2 January 2012 | archive-date = 19 January 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120119090039/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=133367 | url-status = dead }}</ref>}}

Bahrain Centre for Human Rights issued a press release condemning this decision as discriminatory and promoting negative racist attitudes towards migrant workers.<ref name="migrantworkers3">{{cite news | author = [[Staff writer]] | url = http://www.bahrainrights.org/node/1202 | title = Parliament's law to ban migrant workers who are unmarried from living in residential areas is discriminatory attitudes | publisher = Bahrain Centre for Human Rights | date = 28 April 2007 | access-date = 11 July 2011 | archive-date = 31 July 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110731132535/http://www.bahrainrights.org/node/1202 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="migrantworkers2">{{cite news | author = [[Staff writer]] | url = http://www.migrant-rights.org/2007/04/28/bahraini-parliament-moves-to-segregate-migrants-from-citizens/ | title = Bahraini parliament moves to segregate migrants from citizens | publisher = Migrant rights | date=28 April 2007 | access-date=11 July 2011}}</ref> [[Nabeel Rajab]], then BCHR vice president, said: {{blockquote|It is appalling that Bahrain is willing to rest on the benefits of these people's hard work, and often their suffering, but that they refuse to live with them in equality and dignity. The solution is not to force migrant workers into ghettos, but to urge companies to improve living conditions for workers – and not to accommodate large numbers of workers in inadequate space, and to improve the standard of living for them.''<ref name="migrantworkers3" /><ref name="migrantworkers2" />}}

There was a flurry of racially motivated hate messages sent to naturalized Bahrainis from developing countries after opposition political leaders alleged that immigration was tantamount to ‘cultural genocide’. In November 2006, [[Al Ayam (Bahrain)|''Al Ayam'']] published a collection of threats sent to naturalized citizens warning that they would have to 'choose between the suitcase and the coffin', promising 'Death and fire are your destiny' and another warned that the author hated all naturalized Bahrainis, "You are detested. You have taken from us, the sons of Bahrain, our homes, jobs and education opportunities. You will face the same destiny as the Egyptians in Iraq [after the end of the Iraq-Iran war]. It will be nails, hammers and a coffin. Your destiny is near."<ref>[http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10080616.html Naturalised Bahrainis face death threats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108113731/http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10080616.html |date=8 November 2006 }}, Gulf News, 11 August 2006</ref>

According to [[Human Rights Watch]], Bahrain's personal status law (Law 19/2009), adopted in 2009 and marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance cases, applies only to Sunnis although women's groups believe that it should treat all citizens equally.<ref name=HRW2011/>

On 27 September 2017, Bahraini authorities attacked and took down many [[Ashura]] banners and slogans. Ashura, the tenth day of the Islamic year, is an event commemorated by Shias annually, marking the date that [[Husayn ibn Ali]], the grandson of Muhammad, was killed in the [[Battle of Karbala]]. This is not the first time that Bahraini authorities havd attacked the commemoration of Ashura; rather, they do so on a yearly basis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bahraini Security Authorities Attack Ashura Manifestations|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30751-bahraini-security-authorities-attack-ashura-manifestations|website=Shiite News|access-date=28 September 2017|archive-date=28 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928193548/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30751-bahraini-security-authorities-attack-ashura-manifestations|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Criticism of Bahraini government===
Among the journalists, authors and human rights activists who have criticized Bahrain's system as apartheid are [[Mansoor Al-Jamri]], former editor of the Bahraini newspaper ''[[Alwasat (Bahraini newspaper)|Al Wasat]]'',<ref>Mansoor Al-Jamri says of the political system in Bahrain, "It's apartheid... They've made a decision that half the population is not wanted, and they want to instill fear in this population and dehumanize them."</ref><ref name=Fleishman>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-bahrain-shiites-20110502,0,4278361.story|title=Bahrain protests: After crushed protests, Bahrain is accused of increased oppression of Shiites|work=Los Angeles Times|date=11 May 2011}}</ref> 
the [[Bahrain Freedom Movement|Voice of Bahrain]],<ref>UNHCR resolution (Ref: E/CN.4/Sub.2/1997/L.8)  "Questions of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including policies of racial discrimination and segregation and of apartheid, in all countries," is a "resolution condemning the government of Bahrain."</ref><ref name=VOCI>{{cite web|url=http://www.vob.org/en/index.php?show=news&action=article&id=36|title=UN Human Right Sub-Commission Passes a Historic Resolution on Bahrain on 21 August 1997 | date=21 August 1997 | publisher=Voice of Bahrain |access-date=5 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928051044/http://www.vob.org/en/index.php?show=news&action=article&id=36|archive-date=28 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
[[Saeed Shahabi]] of the [[Bahrain Freedom Movement]],<ref>Saeed Shahabihas called for an end to the "sectarian apartheid" system in Bahrain.</ref><ref name=Madani>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amir-madani/bahrain-arab-spring_b_854191.html|title=Arabian Spring: The Hidden Tragedy of Bahrain|date=27 April 2011|work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> ''[[New York Times]]'' columnist [[Nicholas Kristof]],<ref>"the language of the ruling party sounds a lot to me like the language of white South Africans – or even like the language of white southerners in Jim Crow America... There's a fear of the rabble, a distrust of full democracy, a sense of entitlement."</ref><ref name=Kristof>Nicholas Kristof, "Is This Apartheid in Bahrain?" New York Times, 22 February 2011</ref><ref>Euronews, "Bahrain: A Country Divided", 21 February 2011, Euronews.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://special.registerguard.com/turin/2011/mar/18/deep-division-in-bahrain-raises-echoes-of-apartheid/|title=Deep division in Bahrain raises echoes of apartheid &#124; Editorial &#124; Eugene, Oregon|website=special.registerguard.com}}</ref><ref>"Bahrain: Assault on girls' school in Hamad by security forces, April 23, 201, ''The Muslim News''.</ref> [[Irshad Manji]],<ref>Irshad Manji says "Sunni Muslim minorities control the Shia majorities", Irshad Manji, ''The trouble with Islam: a wake-up call for honesty and change'', Random House Digital, 2003, p. 221.</ref> [[Shibil Siddiqi]],<ref>says "Bahrain is virtually an apartheid state." Shibil Siddiqi From the Centre for the Study of Global Power and Politics at Trent University, "Democracy and the Middle East," 21 March 2011, Espress Tribune of the International Herald Tribune.</ref> [[Ameen Izzadeen]],<ref>"after the dismantling of the apartheid regime in South Africa, Bahrain remained the only country where a minority dictated terms to a majority. More than 70 percent of the Bahrainis are Shiite Muslims, but they have little or no say in the government." Ameen Izzadeen "Bahrain: the butchery of democracy dream," 18 March, 32011, Daily Mirror</ref> Ben Cohen,<ref>Ben Cohen, says "Bahrain is a society where inequality is ethnically rooted, and then buttressed by the denial of civic and political freedoms."</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-s-cohen/bahrain-the-missing-a-wor_b_824309.html|title=Bahrain: The Missing 'A' Word|date=17 February 2011|work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> Professor [[Staci Strobl]],<ref>Writing in the ''International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice'', Professor Staci Strobl of the [[John Jay College of Criminal Justice]] describes the demonstrators as  "protesting an apartheid system that denies them opportunities equal to those of their Sunni neighbors.", "From colonial policing to community policing in Bahrain: The historical persistence of sectarianism", Staci Strobl, ''International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice'', 2157–6475, Volume 35, Issue 1, February 2011, Pages 19 – 37.</ref> [[Ali Akbar Salehi]], the Foreign Minister of Iran.<ref>[[Ali Akbar Salehi]], has formally expressed his government's concern over the  "apartheid-like" discrimination practiced against the Shiite majority by the government of Bahrain in a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General [[Ban Ki-moon]].</ref><ref name=Varner>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-26/bahrain-tells-un-about-hezbollah-s-efforts-to-topple-monarchy.html|title=Bahrain Tells UN About Hezbollah's Efforts to Topple Monarchy|author=Bill Varner|date=26 April 2011|work=Bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref name=Queenann>{{cite news|first=Gavriel |last=Queenann |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-26/bahrain-tells-un-about-hezbollah-s-efforts-to-topple-monarchy.html|title= Bahrain Accuses Hizbullah of Provoking Its Domestic Unrest|date= 27 April 2011|work= Israel National News}}</ref>

In 1996 the UK newspaper [[The Guardian]] stated that, "if Bahrain is to preserve its reputation as a financial and service center in the Gulf, then the government must begin to forge a new national consensus and end the apartheid against the Shi'ites".<ref>"Crackdown on Shi'ites hurts Bahrain trade" 20 June 1996, [[The Guardian]], as cited in Joe Stork, Routine abuse, routine denial : civil rights and the political crisis in Bahrain, {{ISBN|1-56432-218-1}}, New York, Human Rights Watch, 1997, p. 40.</ref>

In 1997, [[Joe Stork]] of [[Human Rights Watch]] said the apartheid practiced against the Shia by the government appeared to be "worsening."<ref name=Stork>Joe Stork, ''Routine abuse, routine denial : civil rights and the political crisis in Bahrain'', {{ISBN|1-56432-218-1}}, New York, Human Rights Watch, 1997</ref>

In August 2017, [[United States Secretary of State]] [[Rex Tillerson]] spoke against the discrimination of Shias in Bahrain, saying, "Members of the Shia community there continue to report ongoing discrimination in government employment, education, and the justice system," and that "Bahrain must stop discriminating against the Shia communities." He also stated that "In Bahrain, the government continue to question, detain and arrest Shia clerics, community members and opposition politicians."<ref>{{cite web|title=Bahrain must stop discriminating against Shias: Tillerson|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30090-bahrain-must-stop-discriminating-against-shias-tillerson|website=Shiite News|access-date=18 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819062026/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30090-bahrain-must-stop-discriminating-against-shias-tillerson|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bahrain must stop discriminating against Shias: Tillerson|url=http://muslimtimes.co/2017/08/16/bahrain-must-stop-discriminating-shias-tillerson/|website=Muslim Times|access-date=18 August 2017}}</ref>

Bahraini human rights defender [[Nabeel Rajab]] was released from prison on 9 June 2020. He was detained in 2016 and then sentenced for five years in prison on peacefully expressing his views on the Bahraini government online. [[Human Rights Watch]] urged the government to release the human rights defenders, political activists, opposition leaders, and journalists who were unjustly imprisoned for peacefully expressing their opinions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/06/10/bahrain-prominent-activist-nabeel-rajab-freed-prison|title=Bahrain: Prominent Activist Nabeel Rajab Freed from Prison|access-date=10 June 2020|website=Human Rights Watch|date=10 June 2020}}</ref>

In April 2021, rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja not only turned 60 years old but also completed 10 years of unconditional imprisonment. The family members of Abdulhadi are concerned about his well-being due to his declining health condition during the [[COVID-19]] pandemic. According to the report issued by [[Civicus]], an international non-profit organization,  Al-Khawaja has spent 10 years of unreasonable incarceration along with abuse and mistreatment at the hands of the prison authorities. He was arrested in 2011 for a critical stance against the government and for organizing protests that demanded political reforms during the 2011 Arab uprisings. Rights organizations are now calling for his prompt release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/media-releases/5023-bahraini-human-rights-defender-abdul-hadi-al-khawaja-turns-60-on-his-10th-anniversary-in-prison|title=Bahraini human rights defender Abdul-Hadi al-Khawaja turns 60 on his 10th anniversary in prison|access-date=5 April 2021|website=Civicus|date=5 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gc4hr.org/report/view/130|title=Bahrain: Torture is the Policy and Impunity is the Norm|access-date=9 March 2021|website=GCHR|date=9 March 2021 }}</ref>

Human rights groups reported on 9 April 2021 the detention of the family members of prominent political prisoners following their peaceful protests against their imprisonment, which included Mohammed Al-Daqqaq and his inmate on death row, Mohammed Ramadhan. The arrests were made during an event of suppression of protesters during a demonstration against the severe outbreak of coronavirus at the Jau Prison, where the political prisoners have been held.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2021/04/bahrain-arrests-families-of-political-prisoners-over-peaceful-protests/|title=Bahrain Arrests Families of Political Prisoners Over Peaceful Protests|access-date=9 April 2021|website=Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain|date=9 April 2021}}</ref>

According to Ricochet, independent journalism and crowdfunded media outlet, the largest prison of Bahrain, Jau, an average cell measuring 3 by 3.4 meters house approximately 12 prisoners at a time, despite coronavirus pandemic. Many of the inmates are political prisoners arrested for opposition against the government or protests during the Arab Spring movement. The conditions at the prison are reportedly dirty and unhygienic. However, the economical and geopolitical relations shared by Ottawa and Washington with Bahrain are apparently overshadowing the violation of human rights in the Gulf nation. When the relatives of the prisoners discovered that 3 Covid-positive cases had been detected at the prison, they took to the streets to protest against the continued imprisonment of the political prisoners. The event was followed by prisoners being beaten in their cells by authorities, as per Bahrain's National Institution for Human Rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ricochet.media/en/3620/political-prisoners-in-bahrain-face-covid-outbreak-violence-while-canada-looks-away|title=Political prisoners in Bahrain face COVID outbreak, violence, while Canada looks away|access-date=|website=|date=22 April 2021 }}</ref>

In April 2021, the death of a Bahraini prisoner at the Jau prison due to COVID-19 led to protests from angry inmates who feared their lives following the lack of medical facilities and treatment. The sit-in lasted for 10 days at building 13. The data provided by the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy and reviewed by the Guardian stated that at least 138 inmates at the prison had been infected with COVID-19 since 22 March 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/jun/22/bahraini-prisoners-allege-brutal-crackdown-in-response-to-covid-protest|title=Bahraini prisoners allege brutal crackdown in response to Covid protest|access-date=22 June 2021|website=The Guardian|date=22 June 2021}}</ref>

The COVID-19 outbreak in Bahrain's main prison, Jau has left prisoners with poor living conditions asprison authorities continue to deliberately neglect medical needs. According to Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), a second outbreak at Jau began in mid-May’21, infecting at least 60%of the 255 political prisoners.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bahrain continues policy of deliberate medical neglect at prisons|date=29 June 2021|url=https://en.abna24.com/news/bahrain-continues-policy-of-deliberate-medical-neglect-at-prisons_1154919.html|access-date=2021-07-07 |author1=Presstv }}</ref>

A 22-year-old Bahraini, Mustafa Abdul-Karim Khatam, was reported to be in a bad health condition, following torture inside Jau Prison. He was allegedly interrogated and tortured to submit to charges. Despite the worsened conditions, Khatam was denied any medical assistance or care, criticized by human rights organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2021/08/profile-in-persecution-mustafa-abdulkarim-khatam/|title=Profile in Persecution: Mustafa AbdulKarim Khatam|access-date=5 August 2021|website=ADHRB|date=5 August 2021}}</ref>

In July 2021, non-governmental organisation IFEX called upon the Bahraini government to immediately release prominent Bahraini human rights defender and academic Dr.Abduljalil AlSingace, who went on a hunger strike to protest against the degrading and punitive treatment he had been receiving from Jau Prison authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ifex.org/spyware-hunger-strikes-and-alleged-coups-a-summer-of-suppression-in-mena/|title=Spyware, hunger strikes, and alleged coups: A summer of suppression in MENA |date=10 August 2021 |access-date=10 August 2021|publisher=IFEX}}</ref>

On 22 August 2021, ''[[The Independent]]'' revealed that the [[United Kingdom|UK]] government has been using British taxpayers’ money to secretly fund a Bahraini government institution, known as the National Intelligence Agency Ombudsman. The institution was accused of "whitewashing" the torture and rape of women's rights activists. The British government was condemned by Najah Yusuf and [[Ebtisam al Saegh|Ebtisam Al-Saegh]], the two activists who were alleged to have been sexually assaulted by the Bahraini authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/bahrain-gulf-strategy-fund-womens-rights-activists-b1905967.html|title=UK government using taxpayer money to fund Bahraini body accused of covering up torture and rape|access-date=22 August 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref>

On 24 September 2021, the Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) reported that a bipartisan group of the [[United States]] senators called on the Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]] to press the Bahraini government to end human right abuses including, "[[Arbitrary arrest and detention|arbitrary detention]], [[torture]], cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners, restrictions on [[freedom of the press]], interference with peaceful assembly, and restrictions on political participation and religious practice".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2021/09/bi-partisan-group-of-us-senators-send-letter-to-secretary-blinken-decrying-bahrains-violent-systemic-repression/|title=Bi-partisan Group of US Senators Send Letter to Secretary Blinken Decrying Bahrain's "Violent, Systemic Repression"|access-date=24 September 2021|website=ADHRB|date=24 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://usercontent.one/wp/www.adhrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Bahrain-Letter-Final-Signed.pdf|title=Letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken|access-date=24 September 2021|website=United States Senate}}</ref>

In October 2021, the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|US Senate Appropriations Committee]] addressed the extensive human rights violations by the Bahraini government. The Committee expressed concerns over the "widespread use of arbitrary detention, [[torture]], violation of due process, and unfair trials in Bahrain". They also pointed out at the intolerance towards free expression and suppression of peaceful dissent. The committee's legislation stated that Government of Bahrain should release the [[political prisoners]], [[human rights activists]] and independent journalists without condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2021/10/senate/|title=Senate Bill Calls for Unconditional Release of Bahraini Political Prisoners, Report on U.S. State Department's Efforts to Secure their Release|access-date=21 October 2021|website=Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain|date=21 October 2021}}</ref>

On 20 December 2021, 12 members of the European Parliament signed a joint letter to High Representative [[Josep Borrell]], expressing grave concerns about the human rights violations in Bahrain. The letter, under the initiative of the European Center for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR), raised many questions regarding the measures taken by the [[European External Action Service]] (EEAS). The MEPs mentioned the situation of the imprisoned opposition leader, [[Hasan Mushaima]], and prominent opposition activist Dr. [[Abduljalil al-Singace|Abduljalil Al-Singace]], along with two European citizens, [[Abdulhadi al-Khawaja]] and Sheikh Mohammad Habib Al-Miqdad. The MEPs also requested in their letter to impose sanctions against members of the government of Bahrain responsible for the said violation of human rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ecdhr.org/?p=1410|title=PRESS RELEASE : MEPs sign a letter expressing their grave concern over serious human rights violations in Bahrain|access-date=20 December 2021|website=ECDHR|date=20 December 2021}}</ref>

On 14 January 2022, the [[Scottish National Party]] criticised the [[United Kingdom|UK]]'s relationship with Bahrain and accused the government of prioritizing trade deals over human rights abuses. In the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]], SNP's Westminster human rights spokesman [[Brendan O'Hara]] stated that when it came to right and wrong, the Government's position on Bahrain shows it has "clearly picked which side they are on", citing the case of Dr. Al-Singace, who has suffered torture and sexual abuse at the hands of Bahraini security forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/government-bahrain-james-cleverly-uk-government-bob-stewart-b976603.html|title=Government tolerates human rights abuses for trade with Bahrain – SNP|access-date=14 January 2022|website=Evening Standard|date=13 January 2022}}</ref>

It was revealed in February 2022 that Bahrain used Israel's [[Pegasus (spyware)|Pegasus spyware]] to hack into the phones of three individuals involved in political opposition. The targets included a prominent lawyer, an exiled Bahraini psychiatrist and a journalist. A separate investigation by the [[Pegasus Project (investigation)|Pegasus Project]] revealed that 20 loyalists close to Bahrain's government, including two members of the royal family, were also listed in the leaked database of numbers targeted or hacked by NSO. The mobile phone of a US state department official, who was stationed in Bahrain at the time of her selection, also appears on the leaked database.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://citizenlab.ca/2022/02/bahraini-activists-hacked-with-pegasus/|title=Bahraini Activists Hacked with Pegasus Just Days after a Report Confirming Other Victims|access-date=18 February 2022|website=The Citizen Lab|date=18 February 2022 |last1=Marczak |first1=Bill |last2=Abdulemam |first2=Ali |last3=Scott-Railton |first3=John |last4=Razzak |first4=Bahr Abdul |last5=Anstis |first5=Siena |last6=Al-Jizawi |first6=Noura |last7=Deibert |first7=Ron }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/feb/18/how-spyware-erodes-human-rights-in-bahrain-nso-group-pegasus-project?ref=quuu|title='Most harmful thing' – how spyware is stifling human rights in Bahrain|access-date=18 February 2022|website=The Guardian|date=18 February 2022}}</ref>

On 5 April 2022, a report by ''[[Human Rights Watch]]'' claimed that Bahrain failed to fulfil an undertaking it pledged at the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review in 2008. The Kingdom had pledged that it "is fully committed to supporting non-governmental organizations through legal and other instruments". Instead, it shut down almost all NGOs that were critical of the regime. HRW said independent media and foreign journalists rarely have access to the country. With abusive restrictions on freedom of expression, Bahrain arbitrarily imprisons human rights defenders and those who took part in protests. The repressive Kingdom was asked to permit an access for foreign journalists and human rights organizations into the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/04/05/universal-periodic-review-submission-bahrain|title=Universal Periodic Review Submission on Bahrain|access-date=5 April 2022|website=Human Rights Watch|date=5 April 2022 }}</ref>

On 12 April 2022, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) criticized  relations of the UK and US with Bahrain, stating that the two nations turned a blind-eye towards the Arab nation's legalization of systematic repression and human rights violations. The US and UK were condemned for continuing their business-as-usual with Bahrain and for ignoring the torture, unfair trials, and killing of protesters and critics of the government. ADHRB stated that the futile political reforms enacted by the Bahraini government to improve the country's human rights situation have covered for both the US and the UK to continue their political relations with the Arab nation, while neglecting the country's human rights violations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2022/04/us-uk-bahrain-relations-when-political-calculations-matter-more-than-human-rights/|title=US-UK-Bahrain relations – when political calculations matter more than human rights|access-date=12 April 2022|website=ADHRB|date=12 April 2022 }}</ref>

On 10 October 2022, the [[Human Rights Watch]] and the [[Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy]] released a joint report stating that Bahraini courts routinely violated defendants’ rights to fair trials, and sentenced defendants to death following manifestly unfair trials, based primarily on confessions allegedly coerced through torture. Since 2011, courts in Bahrain have sentenced 51 people to death, and the state has executed six since the end of a de facto moratorium on executions in 2017. As of June 2022, 26 men were on death row, and all have exhausted their appeals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/10/bahrain-death-sentences-follow-torture-sham-trials|title=Bahrain: Death Sentences Follow Torture, Sham Trials|access-date=10 October 2022|website=Human Rights Watch|date=10 October 2022 }}</ref>

In August 2023, Bahrain's government used political isolation laws to curb activists and former opposition members from public participation, resulting in rights abuses and stifled democracy, as per a report by Human Rights Watch. The laws, enacted in 2018, restricted running for parliament and serving on civic boards, prompting criticism and calls for their repeal to restore civil rights.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-31 |title= Bahrain: Political Isolation Laws Ban Opposition |language=en |work=Financial Times |url= https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/31/bahrain-political-isolation-laws-ban-opposition |access-date=2023-08-23}}</ref>

===Calls for an election boycott===
In 2010 the Al-Wafa Islamic Movement, Haq Movement and [[Bahrain Freedom Movement]] called for a boycott of the [[2010 Bahraini general election|23 October election]] to the [[Bahraini Council of Representatives]] on the grounds that participation would be "tantamount to accepting the unjust sectarian apartheid system."<ref name="VOCI"/>

=== Silencing of Shia clerics ===
On 19 August 2015, Bahraini authorities arrested Shia cleric and former MP Sheikh Hassan Isa. His arrest on false charges was said to be a reprisal of the Bahraini government against him, and it was reported that the measures taken against Sheikh Isa, who was innocent, violated national and international law.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sheikh Hasan Isa is innocent, measures taken against him violate national and int'l law|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/17977-sheikh-hasan-isa-is-innocent-measures-taken-against-him-violate-national-and-int-l-law|website=Shiite News|date=24 August 2015|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819190428/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/17977-sheikh-hasan-isa-is-innocent-measures-taken-against-him-violate-national-and-int-l-law|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Al Wefaq: Sheikh Hasan Isa is facing reprisal not a real lawsuit|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/18324-al-wefaq-sheikh-hasan-isa-is-facing-reprisal-not-a-real-lawsuit|website=Shiite News|date=9 September 2015|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819191051/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/18324-al-wefaq-sheikh-hasan-isa-is-facing-reprisal-not-a-real-lawsuit|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Detention of Sheikh Hasan Isa Renewed for 15 more Days Despite Conclusion of Investigations|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/19221-detention-of-sheikh-hassan-isa-renewed-for-15-more-days-despite-conclusion-of-investigations|website=Shiite News|date=28 October 2015|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819232105/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/19221-detention-of-sheikh-hassan-isa-renewed-for-15-more-days-despite-conclusion-of-investigations|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 20 June 2016, Ayatullah Sheikh Isa Qassim was stripped of his nationality. As a result, some people protested the Bahraini government's act of doing this by holding a sit-in outside the home of the Ayatullah. On 23 May 2017, however, Bahraini security forces attack the sit-in. As a result of the attack, five people died, dozens of people were injured, and hundreds of people were arrested. The Ayatullah was also placed under house arrest.<ref name="shiitenews.org">{{cite web|title=Ayatullah Qassim's House Arrest Enters Fourth Month, Authorities Set Concrete Barriers around his House|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30196-ayatollah-qassim-s-house-arrest-enters-fourth-month-authorities-set-concrete-barriers-around-his-house|website=Shiite News|date=22 August 2017|access-date=22 August 2017|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822174746/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30196-ayatollah-qassim-s-house-arrest-enters-fourth-month-authorities-set-concrete-barriers-around-his-house|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In August 2017, Bahraini authorities arrested Shia cleric Sayed Mohieldin Al-Mashaal. Sayed Al-Mashaal had previously been harassed by the Bahraini authorities for about 5 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Al Khalifa regime arrest Shiite cleric Sayed Mohieldin Al-Mashaal|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30118-al-khalifa-regime-arrest-shiite-cleric-sayed-mohieldin-al-mashaal|website=Shiite News|date=17 August 2017|access-date=18 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819063010/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30118-al-khalifa-regime-arrest-shiite-cleric-sayed-mohieldin-al-mashaal|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Also in August 2017, around the three-month anniversary of Ayatullah Sheikh Isa Qassim's house arrest, it was reported that Bahraini authorities were placing concrete barriers around his house.<ref name="shiitenews.org"/>

On 1 November 2017, Bahrain imposed charges against Sheikh Ali Salman, Hassan Sultan, and Ali al-Aswad because of their efforts for reform through peaceful means. In March 2018, Bahrain refused to grant Bahraini citizenship to the daughter of Sheikh Ali Salman, a prominent Shia and opposition leader in Bahrain. This was Bahrain's retribution for the imprisoned Shiekh's peaceful attempts for reform in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bahraini opposition leader's daughter denied citizenship|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/33377-bahraini-opposition-leader-s-daughter-denied-citizenship|website=Shiite News|publisher=Shiitenews.com|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-date=8 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041947/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/33377-bahraini-opposition-leader-s-daughter-denied-citizenship|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In late April 2018, after the Bahraini monarch commuted the death sentences of four men who had been tried by Bahrain's military court, four Shia sheikhs released a statement saying that they hoped that such steps would be "extended to the rest of those sentenced [to death]." The statement also called for a "homeland of love, tolerance, justice, and prosperity." In response, Bahrain's interior ministry threatened the sheikhs with "legal action."<ref>{{cite web|title=Shiite clerics threatened with 'legal action' over appeal for commutation of death sentences|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/34213-shiite-clerics-threatened-with-legal-action-over-appeal-for-commutation-of-death-sentences|website=Shiite News|publisher=Shiitenews.com|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-date=1 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501092857/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/34213-shiite-clerics-threatened-with-legal-action-over-appeal-for-commutation-of-death-sentences|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Ban on Friday prayers===
Since 20 June 2016, Bahrain has prevented the leader of Friday prayers of Diraz, a village of about 30,000 people, from entering.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bahrain al-Wefaq marks 100 weeks since start of Friday Prayers ban in Diraz|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/34748-bahrain-al-wefaq-marks-100-weeks-since-start-of-friday-prayers-ban-in-diraz|website=Shiitenews.com|access-date=12 June 2018|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612190052/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/34748-bahrain-al-wefaq-marks-100-weeks-since-start-of-friday-prayers-ban-in-diraz|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Bahraini uprising (2011–present)==
{{Main|Bahraini uprising (2011–present)|Bahrain Tamarod}}
In February 2011, the tensions between the Sunni ruling minority and the Shi'a majority spilled over into street protests which was violently suppressed by police forces, resulting in multiple civilian deaths.<ref name="nyt">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/world/middleeast/19bahrain.html?_r=1|title=Security Forces in Bahrain Open Fire on Protesters|date=18 February 2011|publisher=The New York Times Company|access-date=22 February 2011}}</ref> McClatchy Newspapers/csmonitor.com reported that as of mid-May 2011, <blockquote>Authorities have held secret trials where protesters have been sentenced to death, arrested prominent mainstream opposition politicians, jailed nurses and doctors who treated injured protesters, seized the health care system that had been run primarily by Shiites, fired 1,000 Shiite professionals and canceled their pensions, detained students and teachers who took part in the protests, beat and arrested journalists, and forced the closure of the only opposition newspaper.<ref name="gutman"/></blockquote>

[[File:Protesters camped out infront of the Pearl Roundabout in Bahrain.jpg|thumb|Protesters at the Pearl Roundabout just before it was demolished.]]

[[Physicians for Human Rights]] reported that during the 2011 uprising the Bahraini government initiated systematic and targeted attacks against medical personnel who had witnessed government atrocities while treating civilian protesters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://phr.org/our-work/resources/emergency-report-decries-bahrain-human-rights-abuses/|title=Physicians for Human Rights - Emergency Report Decries Bahrain Human Rights Abuses}}</ref> In a report titled ''Do No Harm: A Call for Bahrain to End Systematic Attacks on Doctors and Patients'', released in April 2011, [[Physicians for Human Rights]] documented violations of medical neutrality including the beating, abuse, and threatening of Shi'a physicians at Salmaniya Hospital; government security forces stealing ambulances and posing as medics; the militarization of hospitals and clinics, thus obstructing medical care; and rampant fear that prevented patients from seeking urgent medical treatment. Other key findings in the report included the use of excessive force against unarmed civilians and violent assaults on civilian detainees by government authorities and security forces.<ref name="phr">{{Cite web|url=https://phr.org/our-work/resources/do-no-harm/|title=Physicians for Human Rights - Do No Harm}}</ref>

[[File:Abdulredha Buhmaid on floor.jpeg|thumb|Bahraini protesters shot by military, 2011]]
In May 2011, Richard Sollom, deputy director of [[Physicians for Human Rights]], testified before the [[Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission]], a bipartisan caucus of the [[US House of Representatives]], at a hearing on Bahrain. He reported the abuses documented by [[Physicians for Human Rights]] and called upon Congress to take a stronger stance against human rights violations in Bahrain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://phr.org/our-work/resources/richard-sollom-testifies-on-bahrain-to-tom-lantos-human-rights-commission/|title=Physicians for Human Rights - Richard Sollom Testifies on Bahrain to Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission}}</ref>

An estimated 1000 Bahrainis have been detained since the uprising and Bahraini and international human rights groups have documented hundreds of cases of torture and abuse of Shia detainees.<ref name=csm.murphy/> According to csmonitor.org, the government has gone beyond the crushing of political dissent to what "appears" to be an attempt to "psychologically humiliating the island's Shiite majority into silent submission."<ref name=csm.murphy>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0607/Bahrain-campaign-to-humiliate-Shiites-goes-beyond-politics Bahrain campaign to humiliate Shiites goes beyond politics], By Caryle Murphy / csmonitor.com / 7 June 2011</ref>

The [[Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry]] was established on 29 June 2011 by King [[Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa]] to assess the incidents that occurred in the Kingdom during the period of unrest in February and March 2011 and the consequences of these events.<ref name="bna.bh"/> The report was released on 23 November and confirmed the Bahraini government's use of torture and other forms of physical and psychological abuse on detainees.<ref name="bici.org.bh"/> It has been criticized for not disclosing the names of individual perpetrators of abuses and extending accountability only to those who actively carried out human rights violations.<ref name="mideast.foreignpolicy.com"/>

On 1 April 2022, the [[Amnesty International]] reported that Bahraini human rights defender, [[Abdulhadi al-Khawaja]] was being denied medical treatment for suspected [[glaucoma]], as a result of the injuries he sustained due to torture in 2011, including a broken jaw. After spending over a decade in wrongful imprisonment and being subjected to physical, psychological and sexual torture, Al-Khawaja suffered from chronic pain and required an additional surgery. However, his medical treatment was stopped due to his activism inside the prison in February 2022. His daughter also reported that during January, Al-Khawaja had to wait outside the hospital for three hours, before he was brought back to the prison without seeing the doctor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/04/bahrain-human-rights-defender-at-risk-of-blindness-due-to-denial-of-medical-care/|title=Bahrain: Human rights defender at risk of blindness due to denial of medical care|access-date=1 April 2022|website=Amnesty International|date=April 2022 }}</ref>

An academic, [[Abduljalil al-Singace]] was arrested by the Bahraini authorities and sentenced to prison for life for his role in the 2011 uprisings. Following his arrest, he was subjected to beatings at night for two months and was kept in solitary confinement. He has been subjected to torture and ill-treatment, where he was forced to "stand on one leg for prolonged periods", tortured by pushing his crutch "into his genitals" and was "threatened him with rape and made sexually explicit comments about his wife and his daughter".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions/hunger-striking-academic-denied-medication|title=BAHRAIN: HUNGER-STRIKING ACADEMIC DENIED MEDICATION|access-date=8 July 2022|website=Amnesty International}}</ref><ref name=Amnesty-07-07-2022>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/07/bahrain-release-unjustly-jailed-ailing-prisoner-after-year-of-hunger-strike/|title=Bahrain: Release unjustly jailed ailing prisoner after year of hunger strike|access-date=7 July 2022|website=Amnesty International|date=7 July 2022 }}</ref> In July 2021, al-Singace went on a hunger strike in protest, after the prison authorities confiscated his research work of four years. He refused to take solid food and survived on liquids and vitamins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gc4hr.org/news/view/2776|title=Bahrain: Human rights defender Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace on hunger strike to protest degrading treatment|access-date=9 July 2021|website=GCHR}}</ref> In July 2022, al-Singace announced to further abstain from taking salts that helped in stabilizing his health condition. Amnesty International called on the Bahraini authorities to "immediately and unconditionally release” him, hand over his work to his family and to “ensure he receives the medication" required.<ref name=Amnesty-07-07-2022 />

===Conviction of medical workers===
A security court handed down what have been described as "[[Bahrain health worker trials|harsh sentences]]" to 20 Bahraini medical workers in September 2011. The accused workers, who all worked at the Salminaya Medical Center, were given prison terms ranging from 5–15 years based on government claims that the medical workers had taken over the hospital and used it for antigovernment activity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/30/world/middleeast/bahrain-court-hands-down-harsh-sentences-to-doctors-and-protesters.html|title=Bahrain Court Hands Down Harsh Sentences to Doctors and Protesters|date=30 September 2011|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

After the sentences were condemned by United Nations secretary Ban Ki-moon and international human rights groups such as [[Physicians for Human Rights]], Bahraini judicial authorities nullified the convictions and ordered retrials in civilian court.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/world/middleeast/bahrain-orders-retrials-for-medical-workers.html|title=Bahrain Orders Retrials for Medical Workers|date=6 October 2011|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
 
In January 2012, Richard Sollom, deputy director of [[Physicians for Human Rights]], was denied entry to Bahrain, where he had travelled to monitor the appellate court trial of the 20 previously sentenced medics. Bahrain had promised greater transparency in the wake of an international investigation into the human rights violations that occurred during the uprising, yet refused to allow Sollom, who carried a valid entry visa, to view the trial or even enter the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://phr.org/news/phr-condemns-bahraini-authorities-denial-of-entry-to-phr-deputy-director-on-eve-of-doctors-trial/|title=Physicians for Human Rights - PHR Condemns Bahraini Authorities Denial of Entry to PHR Deputy Director on Eve of Doctors Trial|date=8 January 2012}}</ref>

==Civil and political rights==
Parliamentary and municipal elections take place every four years, since the restoration of elections in 2002, when women were also given the vote for the first time as part of reforms by [[King Hamad]]. Bahrain has a [[bicameral]] legislature with the lower chamber of parliament, the ([[Council of Representatives of Bahrain]]), elected by universal suffrage, and the upper chamber, the ([[Shura Council (Bahrain)|Shura Council]]), appointed directly by the [[King of Bahrain|King]]. Those represented in the Shura Council include members of Bahrain's Christian and Jewish communities.

The [[Prime Minister of Bahrain|Prime Minister]] and government ministers are not elected. They are appointed directly by the King, but ministers can be removed by parliamentary no-confidence votes. The current Prime Minister, [[Khalifah ibn Sulman Al Khalifah]], is the King's paternal uncle and has been in office since 1970. Twelve of the twenty-three cabinet ministers appointed in November 2006 are members of the [[Al Khalifa]] royal family.

Bahrain has a complex [[civil society]], which pre-dates the reforms introduced by King Hamad, and has its roots in the emergence of the labour movement and the development of an educated middle class in the 1930s. According to a 2006 study on civil society in Bahrain by the [[European University Institute]], ''Voices in Parliament, Debates in Majalis, Banners on the Street: Avenues of Political Participation in Bahrain'':

{{blockquote| Generally, civil society has thriven, at least numerically. Bahrain's NGOs are fragmented – many NGOs are really a spin-off of a political organisation and/or can draw only a narrow ethnic-sectarian segment to their activities. Generally the more elitist the NGO, the less narrowly defined its constituency in sectarian terms: Sectarianism does not play a role in many of the ‘arty’ clubs.

Contrary to views commonly held on Gulf states’ societies, Bahrain's society offers a complex matrix of interlinking social institutions, understood in a broader anthropological sense. These can in varying degrees be mobilised for political ends.

Catering to the urban elites of both sects, the first clubs were opened in Manama earlier than in the rest of the Gulf region. Namely, the Uruba Club to which most prominent liberals are a member was founded in the early 1930s.

Other venues for political and social interactions are obviously the headquarters of political societies. Several of these also have regular weekly or monthly lecture days. Many headquarters of NGOs and trade unions are located very close to each other, since the king had donated a block of apartments for that purpose in 2001.<ref name="iue.it"/>}}

For the average politically active Bahraini, there are usually a number of outlets according to the [[European University Institute]]:

{{blockquote| A typical male Bahraini with political interests has multiple affiliations: he is a member of a political society, has joined two or three NGOS in the first reform euphoria (related to human rights, women, environment), has been (since he entered his professional life) a member of a professional association. If Shiite, he attends ma’atim at least for holidays, and is involved in some charity, religious or through a local fund. It's quite likely he is a regular to a majlis, the likelihood even increasing in case he is Sunni with tribal affiliations.<ref name="iue.it"/>}}

The government's moves to join international treaties protecting human rights have often been opposed by parliament. The initial attempt to get parliamentary ratification of the Optional Protocol to the [[International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]] was blocked in February 2006 on the grounds that leading MPs said contradicted Islamic laws. Al Menbar Bloc president Dr Salah Abdulrahman complained that the covenant would allow citizens to change religions without any restrictions, noting "''This means that Muslims could convert to another religion, something against the Islamic law, since those who do so should be beheaded''," he said. "Under the convention, women have the right to marry without their father's consent, while in Islam they should do so if she was a virgin".<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=136119&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28339&date=2-22-2006 MPs refuse to ratify rights law] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060524203917/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=136119&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28339&date=2-22-2006 |date=24 May 2006 }} [[Gulf Daily News]] 22 February 2006</ref>

It was not until June 2006 that a second attempt was made to ratify the country's accession to the Covenant, meaning that Bahrain did not formally accede to the treaty until 20 September 2006.<ref>[http://www.ohchr.org/english/countries/ratification/4.htm Signatories of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926223320/http://www.ohchr.org/english/countries/ratification/4.htm |date=26 September 2007 }} [[Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights]]</ref>

Civil society has been prominent in supporting specific legislation promoting human rights through parliament. One recent campaign is the call for Bahrain's government to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It is being led by the Bahrain-branch of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iccnow.org/|title=Home|access-date=9 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429104306/http://www.iccnow.org/|archive-date=29 April 2015|url-status=usurped}}</ref> and wants the government to transfer the draft bill on ratification to parliament at the earliest. The Bahraini Coalition for the ICC is headed by Nasser Burdestani (who is also the head of the Bahrain-branch of [[Amnesty International]]), who commented:

{{blockquote| "The fact that we in Bahrain do not suffer from such grave crimes that are within the court's jurisdiction should facilitate the process of ratification without any reservations."<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_articles.asp?Article=166591&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29293&date=1/7/2007 Bahrain urged to ratify Rome Statute]{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} [[Gulf Daily News]], January 7, 2007</ref>}}

Citing the role that Bahrain plays in the region and the domino effect, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court Co-ordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, [[Amal Basha]], said Bahrain's ratification could have a significant impact among the neighbouring Persian Gulf countries: "We believe that Bahrain could serve as a real catalyst by ratifying as soon as possible," she said. "It would provide a serious boost to the growing world movement to ensure accountability for the worst violations of international human rights and humanitarian law."<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=166591&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29293 Bahrain urged to ratify Rome Statute] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028003225/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=166591&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29293 |date=28 October 2007 }} [[Gulf Daily News]], 7 January 2007</ref>

On 25 November 2020, ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported that three political prisoners, who claimed to have been victims of human rights abuses in Bahrain, appealed [[Lewis Hamilton]] to use his position as [[Formula One|F1's]] champion to highlight the reality of their dilemma to the world. In a letter to Hamilton, they also praised his commitment to pursuing equality, anti-racism and human rights causes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/25/bahraini-political-prisoners-appeal-to-lewis-hamilton-for-his-help|title=Bahraini political prisoners appeal to Lewis Hamilton for his help|access-date=25 November 2020|website=The Guardian|date=25 November 2020}}</ref>

Since the 2011 uprising, many Bahrainis have repeatedly protested against the hosting of the [[Formula One|Formula 1 Grand Prix]], while hundreds of political prisoners had been piled up and tortured in prisons of Bahrain. In 2012, Salah Abbas was murdered by the Bahraini police and his body was found a day before the Grand Prix. Similarly, in 2017, Najah Yusuf was arrested, tortured and sexually assaulted by the Bahraini authorities for criticizing the [[Bahrain Grand Prix]] on social media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fairplanet.org/story/sportswahing-the-gulf-countries%E2%80%99-strategy-to-mask-abysmal-human-rights-records/|title=SPORTSWASHING: THE GULF COUNTRIES' STRATEGY TO MASK ABYSMAL HUMAN RIGHTS RECORDS|access-date=26 July 2021|website=Fairplanet|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127161842/https://www.fairplanet.org/story/sportswahing-the-gulf-countries%E2%80%99-strategy-to-mask-abysmal-human-rights-records/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 4 October 2021, according to a report by Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), four French [[Member of Parliament (France)|MPs]] [[Gérard Leseul]], [[Jean-Christophe Lagarde]], [[Isabelle Rauch]], and [[Dominique Potier]] urged [[France]]'s foreign minister to speak out over the deteriorating human rights situation in Bahrain, especially the imprisonment of political opponents.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Amidst Rising Pressure From French MPs, Four Additional MPs Raise Their Concerns for Bahrain's Violation of Human Rights|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2021/10/amidst-rising-pressure-from-french-mps-four-additional-mps-raise-their-concerns-for-bahrains-violation-of-human-rights/|website=ADHRB|date=4 October 2021|access-date=4 October 2021}}</ref>

Bahraini's showed up to the November 2022 elections to vote for a meaningful change, only to find out that the opposition was banned, as per rights groups. Despite 330+ candidates, which included a record 73 women competing in the elections, the elections ended up being an unfair event with all of them being banned from competing. [[Amnesty International]] claimed that the election was held in an "environment of political repression".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/12/bahrain-holds-election-without-opposition-candidates|title=Bahrain holds election without opposition candidates|access-date=12 November 2022|website=The Guardian|date=12 November 2022 |agency=Agence France-Presse }}</ref>

===Citizenship rights===
On the weekend of 31 January/1 February 2015, 72 Bahraini citizens, including "about 50 journalists, bloggers, religious figures, doctors, political and human rights activists" and about 20 people "suspected of or known to have left Bahrain to join [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIS]] in Iraq and Syria", had their citizenships revoked. The citizenship revocations were discussed on the newly launched [[Alarab News Channel|al-Arab News Channel]] on 1 February.<ref name="AlArab_suspended_20150202" />

According to [[Human Rights Watch]] annual report 2016, Bahraini authorities can revoke the [[citizenship]] of any person who involved in helping a hostile state or causing harm to the interests of the [[Bahrain|kingdom]]. In January, the minister of interior revoked the citizenship of 72, including former parliamentarians and politicians, claiming that they had been involved in "illegal acts," including "inciting and advocating regime change through illegal means".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2016/country-chapters/bahrain|title=Bahrain|chapter=Bahrain: Events of 2015 |date=22 December 2015|access-date=2016-08-25}}</ref>

=== Death penalty ===
In 2017, Bahrain ended its moratorium on the use of the death penalty, and by 2020 had executed six people.<ref name=":0" /> As of 2021, there are 27 individuals on death row in the country, with 25 deemed at "imminent risk" of execution according to the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-15|title=Bahrain: Joint Letter to Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council Delegates|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/09/15/bahrain-joint-letter-member-and-observer-states-united-nations-human-rights-council|access-date=2021-04-10|website=Human Rights Watch|language=en}}</ref>

A report by the [[Human Rights Watch]] published in October 2022 claimed that despite a de facto moratorium on executions put in place in 2017, executions have continued to take place in Bahrain. Approximately, 51 people were sentenced to death who had exhausted their appeals, even though the Bahraini law is controlled by [[King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa]]. It was possible for the King to ratify the sentences or grant pardons to those sentenced. The report claimed that the Bahraini courts failed on multiple levels to investigate reports of torture or abuse used as a means to coerce confessions as evidence for death sentencing, prohibited under Article 7 of the [[International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]] (ICCPR).<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2022/10/10/court-satisfied-confession/bahrain-death-sentences-follow-torture-sham-trials|title="The Court is Satisfied with the Confession": Bahrain Death Sentences Follow Torture, Sham Trials|access-date=10 October 2022|journal=Human Rights Watch|date=10 October 2022 }}</ref>

==Freedom of speech==
The government claims that the press is free.<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=177085&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30019 Bahrain Press one of freest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029162452/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=177085&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30019 |date=29 October 2007 }}, Gulf Daily News, 8 April 2007</ref><ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/03/29/10114491.html Bahrain's media under scrutiny] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126053827/http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/03/29/10114491.html |date=26 November 2007 }}, Gulf News, 29 March 2007</ref> However, the Penal Code of 1976, still active today, has been widely criticized by local and international human rights bodies for granting the regime widespread powers to suppress dissent. [[Human Rights Watch]] noted in 2004 that the Penal Code gives the government "wide latitude to suppress public criticism"<ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/09/29/bahrai9413.htm Bahrain: Activist Jailed After Criticizing Prime Minister], [[Human Rights Watch]], 29 September 2004</ref> and that it "has provisions that contradict international human rights standards".<ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/06/08/bahrai13531.htm Bahrain: King Should Reject Law on Public Gatherings], [[Human Rights Watch]], 8 June 2006</ref> [[Amnesty International]] in 2004 stated the Code can be used "as a justification to restrict freedom of expression. The organization reiterates its call for the Code to be reviewed as soon a possible to ensure compliance with international human rights standards."<ref>[https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde11/005/2004/en/ Bahrain: Amnesty International welcomes the release of Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja], [[Amnesty International]], 22 November 2004</ref>

According to Human Rights Watch 2011 country report and the international press, freedom of the press both in print and on web sites is severely restricted, with websites blocked, journalists allegedly tortured and editors fired.<ref name=HRW2011/><ref name="Fleishman"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/451565|title=Bahrain News Agency – Al-Wasat Board of Directors Sacks Al-Jamri And Appoints Abidli Al-Abidli}}</ref>

As of 2017, [[Human Rights Watch]] said Bahraini authorities are apparently targeting the family members of&nbsp;a prominent Bahraini activist, Sayed al-Wadaei, in retaliation for his human rights work. They have detained both his brother-in-law and his mother-in-law. Sayed has accused Bahraini authorities of serious human rights abuses. Since having forced Sayed into exile in Britain, authorities have resorted to threatening and harassing his wife, infant son, and relatives with torture.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/03/06/bahrain-activists-family-targeted|title=Bahrain: Activist's Family Targeted|date=6 March 2017|work=Human Rights Watch|access-date=2017-03-12|language=en}}</ref>&nbsp;

According to [[Amnesty international]] report on the human rights situation in Bahrain during 2016, Authorities continued imposing restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and association and continued to curtail the right to peaceful assembly. The international organization said authorities detained several activists and banned others from travelling abroad. Authorities also continued its policy in removing opponents their citizenship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/bahrain/report-bahrain//| title= BAHRAIN 2016/2017 |access-date=2017-11-07}}</ref>

During the [[2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis]], Bahrain banned any expression of sympathy towards [[Qatar]]. Violators will face a fine and jail term up to five years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/region/qatar-crisis/qatar-sympathisers-in-bahrain-to-face-fine-jail|title=Qatar sympathisers in Bahrain to face fine, jail|last=Wam|website=www.khaleejtimes.com|access-date=2017-06-09}}</ref>

On 11 July 2020, the UK foreign office was urged to intervene to stop the execution of Mohammed Ramadan and Husain Moosa, two Bahraini pro-democracy activists who were given death sentence by a Bahrain court, despite claims of confessions extracted through torture.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/edition/news/foreign-secretary-urged-to-stop-execution-of-bahraini-pro-democracy-activists-qklg2p6j8|title= Foreign Secretary urged to intervene to stop execution of Bahraini activists |access-date=11 July 2020|website=[[The Times]]}}</ref>

In January 2021, three deputies of the [[Dáil Éireann]], [[Niall Collins]], [[Joan Collins (politician)|Joan Collins]], and [[Michael Creed]] questioned the Irish Foreign Minister [[Simon Coveney]] over the [[human rights]] violations in [[Bahrain]]. They called for the Irish authorities to put efforts into the release of Bahrain's opposition political party leader, [[Hassan Mushaima]]. In response to the deputies, Coveney expressed serious concerns over the violations of freedom of speech in [[Manama]], and urged the regime to release Mushaima.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2021/02/three-irish-deputies-ask-the-minister-for-foreign-affairs-about-bahrains-human-rights-abuses-and-hassan-mushaima/|title=Three Irish Deputies ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs about Bahrain's human rights abuses and Hassan Mushaima|access-date=22 February 2021|website=Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain|date=22 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2021-01-27/400/?highlight%5B0%5D=bahrain&highlight%5B1%5D=bahrain&highlight%5B2%5D=bahrain&highlight%5B3%5D=bahrain&highlight%5B4%5D=bahrain|title=Departmental Correspondence|access-date=27 January 2021|website=Houses of the Oireachtas}}</ref>

On 13 December 2021, the ''[[Human Rights Watch]]'' demanded that on the occasion of Bahrain National Day, 16 December 2021, authorities use the customary pardon to free everyone imprisoned for exercising freedom of expression and association. The most prominent opposition leaders, including human rights defenders, and journalists, have been behind bars for more than a decade for their role in the 2011 pro-democracy protests. According to the reports, Bahrain has one of the highest incarceration rates per capita in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/12/13/bahrain-free-leading-opposition-activists|title=Bahrain: Free Leading Opposition Activists|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Human Rights Watch|date=13 December 2021}}</ref>

On  6 March 2023, Ebrahim Al-Mannai posted on [[Twitter]], urging the Bahraini government to reform its parliament if they wanted to showcase it internationally. Shortly after, he and three others were arrested for their social media activity. On 9 March, Bahrain's Public Prosecutor's Office released a statement on Instagram, explaining that the arrests were for "misusing social media platforms." Al-Mannai has since been released, but the current situation of the other three individuals remains uncertain.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-14 |title=Bahrain: 4 Arrested Over Tweets {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/14/bahrain-4-arrested-over-tweets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524094120/https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/14/bahrain-4-arrested-over-tweets |archive-date=2024-05-24 |access-date=2024-09-09 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Self-Censorship Among Internet Users in Bahrain ===
Internet users in Bahrain exhibit significant [[self-censorship]] due to fears of government reprisal. Many opt to use pseudonyms on platforms such as Twitter, online forums, and comment sections to avoid being targeted by authorities. Others prefer sharing content privately on social media rather than posting publicly. Even opposition news outlets based outside the country rarely disclose the identities of their editors. Investigations into users' online activities have also been conducted in workplaces and universities.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Bahrain: Freedom on the Net 2019 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/bahrain/freedom-net/2019 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Freedom House |language=en}}</ref>

Activists often cease tweeting following detentions and interrogations. Those who return to Twitter after being detained tend to steer clear of controversial topics, such as criticism of the king or other issues flagged by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). In May 2019, exiled journalist Adel Marzooq reported losing 180 followers on Twitter shortly after the MOI labeled his account as malicious and warned users not to follow or promote his messages. Similarly, tweets about royal family members’ alleged appropriation of public land in Arad ceased after several users received summonses in April 2019.<ref name=":10" />

By 2019, self-censorship on Twitter had reached extreme levels, with many users avoiding discussions beyond sports, lifestyle topics, or political views aligned with the regime. Bahraini satirical writer Mohsen Alsaffar humorously remarked in April 2019 that before posting a tweet, one must first consult a lawyer to verify its legality, a cleric to confirm its religious validity, a diplomat to ensure it aligns with international norms, a security expert to avoid accusations of supporting terrorism, and an economist to ensure it does not destabilize the country's economy.<ref name=":10" />

{{Anchor |Internet}}

===Blasphemy Laws===
{{See also|Blasphemy law|Blasphemy in Islam}}
Blasphemy is considered a crime in Bahrain. <u>Articles 309 and '''310'''</u> of the penal code criminalize "any method of expression" against a religious community (309), or ridiculing religious beliefs (310):<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019"/><ref name="end_blasphemy" />

"a punishment for a period not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding BD 100 shall be inflicted upon any person who commits an offence by any method of expression against one of the recognized religious communities or ridicules the rituals thereof".<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019"/><ref name="end_blasphemy">{{Cite web |title=Bahrain |url=https://end-blasphemy-laws.org/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/bahrain/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=End Blasphemy Laws|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906152408/https://end-blasphemy-laws.org/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/bahrain/|archive-date=2024-09-06|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BNA Blasphemy">{{cite web | title=الحبس سنة لمتهمة نشرت تغريدات مسيئة للدين الإسلامي | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811132925/https://www.bna.bh/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDrZgrf%2Fsoo7v95qBwlq9CgU%3D | archive-date=2022-08-11 | url=https://www.bna.bh/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDrZgrf%2Fsoo7v95qBwlq9CgU%3D | website=[[Bahrain News Agency]] | access-date=2022-11-20|trans-title=One year imprisonment for a defendant who posted tweets insulting Islam|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="irf_report">{{Cite journal |date=2021 |title=BAHRAIN 2021 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT |url=https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BAHRAIN-2021-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf |journal=U.S. Department of State |pages=1, 3, 5, 11, 12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906154259/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BAHRAIN-2021-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf|archive-date=2024-09-06|url-status=live}}</ref>

The press and publications law prohibits anti-Islamic media, and mandates imprisonment for "exposing the state's official religion for offense and criticism."<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019"/><ref name="end_blasphemy" /> The law states that "any publication that prejudices the ruling system of the country and its official religion, public morals or any faith in a manner likely to disturb the peace, can be banned from publication by a ministerial order."<ref name="end_blasphemy" /> The law allows the production and distribution of religious media and publications of minority groups, under condition that they do not criticize Islam.<ref name="end_blasphemy" />

In September 2022, Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Bahrain, said during his participation in Bashkortostan's celebrations of the 11th anniversary of the introduction of Islam: "There is no doubt that you have followed and are following with pride the pioneering role of Muslim peoples and major Islamic institutions around the world in ''confronting campaigns to spread atheism and moral decay and threaten families, communities and values''."<ref name="https://www.bna.bh/ 2022">{{cite web | title=بالنيابة عن جلالة الملك المعظم.. الشيخ عبدالرحمن بن محمد يشارك في احتفالات باشكورتوستان بمرور 11 قرنًا على دخول الإسلام | website=[[Bahrain News Agency]] | date=2022-11-23 | url=https://www.bna.bh/.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDnCe%2Bvz1k8fufZj%2FHPga26w%3D | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123104428/https://www.bna.bh/.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDnCe%2Bvz1k8fufZj%2FHPga26w%3D | archive-date=2022-11-23 | url-status=unfit | access-date=2022-11-23}}</ref>

====Known cases====

In August, 2012, a Bahraini court sentenced a man (name unknown) to two years in prison for making insulting comments about one of the Prophet Mohammad's wives. The man reportedly insulted [[Aisha]] in comments online.<ref name="end_blasphemy"/>

In March 2015 the Lebanese feminist poet and journalist [[Joumana Haddad]] was banned from taking part in a cultural event in Bahrain, due to accusations that she would promote [[atheism]] and target Islamic values.<ref name="end_blasphemy"/>

In 2016, a Bahraini court sentenced Ibrahim Sharif, a founding member of the secular [[National Democratic Action Society]] (Waed) party, to one year in prison on the charge of "inciting hatred" for making a [[pro-democracy]] speech. After his release, in March 2019 Sharif was sentenced to 6 months in prison for tweeting criticism of Sudan's president.<ref name="end_blasphemy"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bahrain opposition figure sentenced for tweet insulting Sudan's Bashir |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bahrain-opposition-figure-sentenced-tweet-insulting-sudans-bashir |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906191955/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bahrain-opposition-figure-sentenced-tweet-insulting-sudans-bashir |archive-date=2024-09-06 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2016, a Bahraini court sentenced journalist and blogger Faisal Hayyat under Article 309 of the penal code to 3 months in prison for a tweet deemed to have insulted a "religious symbol and group."<ref name="end_blasphemy"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-13 |title=Bahraini journalist Faisal Hayyat detained over tweet about religion {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/bahraini-journalist-faisal-hayyat-detained-over-tweet-about-religion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414182124/https://rsf.org/en/bahraini-journalist-faisal-hayyat-detained-over-tweet-about-religion |archive-date=2024-04-14 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=rsf.org |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2019, Shia [[Ja'fari school|Jaafari]] cleric Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Madhiwas accused of ‘insulting the companions of the Prophet Muhammad’ during a sermon and was prosecuted under Article 310 of the penal code. Al Madhi is one of dozens of Jaafari religious figures to be harassed and jailed by Bahraini authorities for similar charges.<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019"/>

In October 2020, an unidentified female Bahraini citizen who mocked [[Hadith|Islamic scripture]] on [[Twitter]], was reported which got her subsequently arrested on claims of "blasphemy and defamation of Islam and other religions on social media".<ref name="BNA Blasphemy"/><ref name="irf_report"/>

According to the MOI, during the year, the ministry investigated 26 individuals for defamation of religions, a charge usually stemming from statements made during sermons, and the government prosecuted six of them for inciting religious hatred and sectarianism. Courts convicted two of the six, but authorities did not announce their sentences. The other four cases remained ongoing at year's end. The government also prosecuted 11 of the 26 individuals for "despising other religions" and convicted one person of blasphemy.<ref name="irf_report"/>

On 23 May, the MOI Anti-Cyber Crime Directorate arrested a [[Sunni]] woman and charged her with inciting sectarian hatred. According to the government, the woman said [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]] were responsible for the spread of [[COVID-19]]. She appeared before the criminal court on 27 May. At year's end, there was no further information available on the disposition of her case.<ref name="irf_report"/>{{NoteTag|This, however, falls more into the category of Article 309 of the penal code.}}

According to media, on 9 December, the MOI announced it had arrested a male citizen for blasphemy and for inciting immoral activities on social media. The MOI referred the case to the public prosecutor, and it remained pending at year's end.<ref name="irf_report"/>

In 2023, Jalal al-Qassab, 60, and Redha Rajab, 67, were imprisoned after their final appeals were rejected.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-07-03 |title=Bahrain: Quash Religious Freedom Convictions {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/07/03/bahrain-quash-religious-freedom-convictions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906193641/https://translate.google.com/?sl=ar&tl=en&text=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%A8%D8%B3%20%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9%20%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A9%20%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%AA%20%D8%AA%D8%BA%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA%20%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9%20%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A&op=translate |archive-date=2024-09-06 |access-date=2024-09-06 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2023-03-30 |title=Bahrain jails men over YouTube discussion of Islam |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-65097629 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906193815/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-65097629 |archive-date=2024-09-06 |access-date=2024-09-06 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Both men, members of the Bahraini cultural association Al-Tajdeed (lit: reformation; referring to the reformation of Islam), were sentenced to one year in prison and fined for "mocking" Islamic beliefs.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Their charges stemmed from YouTube videos where Al-Qassab questioned certain Quranic verses.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Bahraini authorities accused them of violating the penal code by offending religious sects and symbols.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> The court's decision highlights tensions between Bahrain's penal code and its commitments to international human rights law, particularly the right to freedom of belief and expression.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Prominent Shia clerics have been the most openly hostile to the organisation, denouncing its work as blasphemy and calling for Al-Tajdeed members to be ostracised.<ref name=":5" />

In October 2023, an Asian was reportedly arrested for posting tweets considered insulting to Islam.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-21 |title=حبس آسيوي لنشره تغريدات مسيئة للدين الإسلامي |trans-title=Asian arrested for posting tweets insulting Islam |url=https://www.bna.bh/%D8%AD%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%A2%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%AA%D8%BA%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDh9q4cV3J%2F%2FX0wyWqtFuQNU%3D |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906172229/https://www.bna.bh/%D8%AD%D8%A8%D8%B3%D8%A2%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%AA%D8%BA%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDh9q4cV3J%2F%2FX0wyWqtFuQNU%3D |archive-date=2024-09-06 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=[[Bahrain News Agency]]}}</ref>

On 20 July 2024, two people were arrested and summoned on claims of religious blasphemy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C9prME0stiB/?igsh=MXRzMzd2YjV0MTh2eg== |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-20 |title="الجرائم الإلكترونية": استدعاء وتوقيف شخصين قاما ببث منشورات تتضمن إساءات دينية |trans-title="Electronic Crimes": Summoning and arresting two people who posted posts containing religious insults |url=https://www.alayam.com/alayam/local/1062149/News.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726161214/https://amp.alayam.com/alayam/local/1062149/amp.html?amp=1 |archive-date=2024-07-26 |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=Al-Ayam Newspaper}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=موقع بحريننا {{!}} بحريننا{{!}} عاجل - "الداخلية": استدعاء وتوقيف شخصين قاما ببث منشورات تتضمن اساءات دينية |trans-title=Our Bahrain: Urgent - "Interior": Contact and arrest of two individuals who broadcast publications containing religious blasphemy |url=https://nabd.com/s/140304869-592546/%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%88%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%B4%D8%AE%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%A8%D8%AB-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%B6%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9 |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=موقع نبض}}</ref>

== Information Control ==
Activists in Bahrain heavily depend on digital platforms, especially social media, to highlight protests and human rights violations. However, due to the risk of arrest, prosecution, and other repercussions, many users are cautious about engaging in political discussions online. Authorities have also blocked certain tools used for mobilization and campaigning, such as Telegram.<ref name=":10" />

=== Internet Censorship ===
{{See also|Internet censorship}}[[File:Batelco.blocked.png|thumb|A Bahraini website blocked]]

Internet censorship in [[Bahrain]] is classified as pervasive in the political and social areas, as substantial in Internet tools, and as selective in conflict/security by the [[OpenNet Initiative]] in August 2009.<ref name=ONICountryProfiles>[http://opennet.net/research/profiles "ONI Country Profiles"], Research section at the OpenNet Initiative web site, a collaborative partnership of the Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto; the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University; and the SecDev Group, Ottawa</ref> Bahrain was placed on [[Reporters Without Borders]]' list of Internet Enemies in 2012.<ref name=RWBEnemies>[http://march12.rsf.org/i/Report_EnemiesoftheInternet_2012.pdf ''Internet Enemies''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323215225/http://march12.rsf.org/i/Report_EnemiesoftheInternet_2012.pdf |date=23 March 2012 }}, Reporters Without Borders (Paris), 12 March 2012</ref>

On 5 January 2009 the Ministry of Culture and Information issued an order (Resolution No 1 of 2009)<ref>Resolution No 1 of 2009, Ministry of Culture and Information, published in Official Gazette, Issue No.2877, dated 8 January 2009</ref> pursuant to the Telecommunications Law and Press and Publications Law of Bahrain that regulates the blocking and unblocking of websites. This resolution requires all ISPs – among other things – to procure and install a website blocking software solution chosen by the Ministry. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority ("TRA") assisted the Ministry of Culture and Information in the execution of the said Resolution by coordinating the procurement of the unified website blocking software solution. This software solution is operated solely by the Ministry of Information and Culture and neither the TRA nor ISPs have any control over sites that are blocked or unblocked.

Internet censorship in Bahrain applies to anything that the Bahraini government deems inappropriate; this includes but is not limited to: political websites, independent journalism, pornographic websites, and more.<ref name=":10" />

The internet is a primary source of news and information for many [[Demographics of Bahrain|Bahrainis]], with platforms like Twitter and Facebook serving as key outlets. However, only media organizations based outside Bahrain can report on local political matters without facing restrictions. Many independent, foreign-based news websites are blocked within the country.<ref name=":10" />

Despite the government's tight grip on information, opposition websites and foreign news outlets based outside Bahrain still attract traffic from users inside the country who bypass restrictions using proxy servers, dynamic IP addresses, and VPN applications. The government had previously blocked access to tools like Google Translate and Google cached pages that could help users circumvent these blocks, but these services became accessible again in May 2019.<ref name=":10" />

Censorship in Bahrain intensified following the prodemocracy [[2011 Bahraini uprising|protests of 2011]], where online media played a pivotal role. Since then, strict controls on digital content have been maintained. Political content is widely restricted, though platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and international blog-hosting services remain accessible. However, several messaging and livestreaming applications have been blocked by authorities.<ref name=":10" />

A 2015 report revealed that over 85 percent of Bahraini websites are hosted outside the country, despite Bahrain's advanced internet infrastructure. Hosting websites abroad makes them less susceptible to government takedown requests, allowing them to remain accessible via censorship circumvention tools.<ref name=":10" />

In August 2016, Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) mandated all telecommunications companies to implement a centralized website-blocking system managed by the TRA. This directive was linked to a US$1.2 million contract with Canadian company **Netsweeper** for the development of a national website filtering solution. Netsweeper has since been identified on nine Bahraini internet service providers (ISPs) and is known to filter political content on at least one.<ref name=":10" />

In May 2017, authorities blocked several Qatari news websites, including ''Al-Jazeera'', ''Al-Sharq'', and ''Al-Raya'', following Bahrain's severance of diplomatic ties with Qatar alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Previously, in June 2016, the popular communication app Telegram was banned. Telegram was widely used by independent media, opposition groups, and activists. The app and its associated website remained blocked at the end of the reported period. Other blocked sites include the ''Arab Network for Human Rights Information'' (ANHRI), the ''Bahrain Center for Human Rights'' (BCHR), and the London-based newspaper ''Al-Quds Al-Araby''. Additionally, ''Bahrain Mirror'', a prominent news site, remains inaccessible.<ref name=":10" />

In December 2018, the website of ''Awal Online'', an independent Bahraini news outlet, was blocked just a month after its launch. The anonymous editors of the platform attributed the blockage to critical reporting on a long-serving minister. In March 2019, their Twitter account was temporarily suspended.<ref name=":10" />

Livestreaming platforms like ''Ustream'' and ''Bambuser'', which were widely used during the 2011 protests, also continue to be blocked. According to a crowdsourced list from August 2018, 39 percent of the 367 blocked websites were categorized as political, while 23 percent were related to tools for bypassing censorship, such as anonymizers and web proxies.<ref name=":10" />

=== Blocking Policies ===
The process for blocking websites in Bahrain is opaque, with multiple state entities, including the Ministry of Information Affairs (MIA) and the Ministry of Interior (MOI), authorized to block websites without requiring a court order. The MIA blocks websites under articles 19 and 20 of the Press Rules and Regulations, which prohibit content deemed to "instigate hatred of the political regime, encroach on the state's official religion, breach ethics, jeopardize public peace, or address prohibited topics." Additionally, article 70 criminalizes the publication of false news under the same law.<ref name=":10" />

Authorities routinely issue updated lists of blocked websites to internet service providers (ISPs), instructing them to "prohibit any means that allow access to blocked sites." ISPs risk having their licenses revoked by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) if they fail to comply with these orders. However, the list of blocked websites is not made publicly available, and administrators of blocked websites are not notified or given reasons for the bans. When users attempt to access blocked websites, they are met with a generic message stating that the site has been "blocked for violating regulations and laws of the Kingdom of Bahrain." A link for submitting unblocking requests redirects to an error page.<ref name=":10" />

There are no formal regulations governing an appeals process for content restrictions. In the absence of published blocking orders, website administrators face significant challenges in appealing such decisions through the court system. According to a 2009 MIA directive, no blocked website can be reinstated without explicit approval from the information minister.<ref name=":10" />

Website administrators may also be held legally responsible for user-generated content, including alleged libel. In February 2016, the Interior Ministry announced that administrators of WhatsApp groups could be held accountable for spreading false news if they fail to report incidents occurring within their groups. Spreading false news that endangers national security or public order is considered a criminal offense and is punishable by up to two years in prison.<ref name=":10" />

=== Content Removal ===
In March 2019, Bahrain's Ministry of Housing deleted several videos from its Instagram account featuring the Minister of Housing. In the videos, the minister argued that a small housing unit is only considered small if people perceive it as such. The videos went viral, attracting widespread sarcasm and criticism, prompting their removal.<ref name=":10" />

Recordings of Shura Council sessions, the upper house of Bahrain's parliament, have also been selectively edited by administrators before being uploaded to the council's official YouTube Live channel. For instance, a March 3, 2019 recording omitted controversial remarks by a councilmember regarding the relationship between the village of Ma’ameer and a large industrial area where the member owned a business. Similarly, a June 2018 video excluded footage of a representative calling opponents of a new retirement law "psychos." This statement was also removed from the website of the local newspaper '''[[Al Ayam (Bahrain)|Al-Ayam]]'''.<ref name=":10" />

In July 2018, YouTube removed a video showing a verbal attack on a Bahraini cleric who had visited Israel. The video garnered 32,000 views within four hours of its upload before being taken down, though YouTube did not specify the reason for its removal.<ref name=":10" />

Online platforms’ reporting mechanisms have been exploited to suppress criticism of authorities and target accounts operated by activists and independent journalists. In March 2019, the Twitter account of the independent news site '''Awal Online''' was temporarily suspended due to coordinated user reporting. Similarly, in February 2019, Instagram permanently closed the account of activist Yousef al-Jamri. Earlier, in October 2018, a video of Hezbollah's leader discussing Bahrain's political situation was removed from al-Jamri's account, with Instagram citing community guideline violations. In December 2018, journalist Hani al-Fardan's Instagram account was also suspended due to organized user reporting.<ref name=":10" />

Transparency reports indicate that neither Google nor Twitter removed content based on requests from Bahraini authorities. While Twitter received two content removal requests in the first half of 2018, no content was withheld.<ref name=":10" />

Authorities have employed coercive measures, including arrests, prosecutions, and torture, to compel online forum moderators to shut down their websites. In April 2019, during the arrest of columnist Ibrahim al-Sheikh, seven tweets were deleted from his account, though it remains unclear who removed them. In the same month, former member of parliament Mohammed Khalid briefly deactivated his Twitter account following a brief detention, later reactivating it as a private account. His lawyer, Mohammed al-Othman, deactivated his Twitter account twice during the same period before restoring it.<ref name=":10" />

=== Online Manipulation ===
Government authorities and pro-government [[Troll (slang)|trolls]] actively shape and manipulate the online information environment in Bahrain.<ref name=":10" />

Officials frequently issue warnings about discussing sensitive topics or "misusing" social media platforms. In May 2019, the Ministry of Interior's (MOI) cybercrime directorate labelled the accounts of several Bahraini activists and journalists as "malicious." Shortly after, users received SMS messages and tweets cautioning that following such accounts could result in prosecution. Similarly, in June 2018, the MOI warned against reposting a resurfaced 2011 video showing a "war dance" performed by naturalized Bahraini citizens of Arab origins. The MOI claimed that sharing the video aimed to "incite sedition and disturb social peace," threatening legal action against those who shared it.<ref name=":10" />

Research from 2013 highlighted government ties to extremist Twitter and Facebook accounts advocating violence against both authorities and protesters. The government has also been found impersonating opposition figures online to send malicious links, such as IP trackers, to identify and prosecute anonymous critics.<ref name=":10" />

Organized trolling campaigns, active since 2011, have targeted activists, commentators, and journalists supportive of protests and human rights. These coordinated efforts have successfully silenced or reduced opposition activity, both within Bahrain and abroad. Trolls also spread disinformation, discredit protesters, fuel conflict, and undermine valid social media content. Some accounts even impersonate imprisoned users to interact with opposition supporters.<ref name=":10" />

During the November 2018 parliamentary elections, some citizens received deceptive text messages claiming their names had been removed from the electoral register, discouraging them from voting. While the government denied involvement, the MOI alleged that 40,000 messages originated from Iran in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process. It also accused Iranian-run accounts and opposition groups like Al-Wefaq of threatening candidates and promoting election boycotts.<ref name=":10" />

Social media accounts from Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also influenced Bahrain's online discourse. For instance, in November 2017, a Saudi-based Twitter account launched a trending hashtag blaming “terrorists”—a term often used to describe anti-government protesters—for an oil pipeline fire. The hashtag reached a wide audience, particularly in Saudi Arabia.<ref name=":10" />

=== Censorship and Licensing Restrictions for Media Outlets ===
Regulatory restrictions severely limit users' ability to publish content online, while government censorship imposes indirect economic constraints, leaving many outlets reliant on personal funding.<ref name=":10" />

According to Decree 68/2016, newspapers in Bahrain must obtain a license from the mass media directorate to disseminate electronic media on websites or social media. However, the decree does not specify the criteria for granting or renewing the one-year license. Additionally, applicants must submit a list of their social media accounts, website addresses, and the names of their overseers, potentially exposing employees to government monitoring or coercion. Violating the licensing requirement under Bahrain's press law can result in six months of imprisonment and/or a fine of 5,000 dinars ($13,180).<ref name=":10" />

Decree 68/2016 also prohibits newspapers from posting videos longer than two minutes or live streaming content. Moreover, electronic media must mirror the content of their printed editions, restricting the use of multimedia and limiting creative freedom.<ref name=":10" />

While government restrictions extend to online advertising, some opposition websites continue to operate despite these limitations. Blocked websites face significant challenges in securing advertisements, but outlets like ''Bahrain Mirror'' manage to function with minimal resources, often relying on self-funding.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Bahrain: Freedom on the Net 2024 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/bahrain/freedom-net/2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221070059/https://freedomhouse.org/country/bahrain/freedom-net/2024 |archive-date=2024-12-21 |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Freedom House |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2019, the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) revoked the license of ''Manama Voice'', a news site managed by [[Demographics of Bahrain|Bahraini]] journalist Hani al-Fardan, without providing a specific explanation. Al-Fardan has since continued his reporting through his [[Instagram]] account, as publishing on [[social media]] does not presently require an IAA license.<ref name=":12" />

=== Online Surveillance and Monitoring ===
{{See also|Computer and network surveillance}}
State surveillance of online activities in Bahrain is extensive. Reports have highlighted the government's use of spyware to target dissidents. In October 2018, it was revealed that Bahrain had acquired espionage software from private companies, including a system from Verint, designed to gather intelligence from social media. Members of Bahraini intelligence were also trained in using these surveillance systems.<ref name=":10" />

A September 2018 Citizen Lab report indicated that Bahrain might have utilized the [[Pegasus (spyware)|Pegasus spyware]], developed by the Israeli company NSO Group. Once a user clicks on an exploit link, Pegasus is covertly installed on their phone, allowing the operator to access sensitive data such as passwords, contacts, text messages, live calls from messaging apps, and even the phone's camera and microphone. Citizen Lab found evidence suggesting that the persecuted Shia minority and members of the Coalition of February 14 may have been specifically targeted.<ref name=":10" />

In the lead-up to the October 2018 parliamentary elections, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced it was monitoring phone messages, particularly those promoting an election boycott, and warned of legal consequences for those involved.<ref name=":10" />

Additionally, the government of Bahrain purchased $544,000 worth of ''[[United Kingdom|British]] surveillance equipment'' between 2015 and 2017.<ref name=":10" />

A Cyber Safety Directorate was established in November 2013 within the Ministry of State for Telecommunications Affairs to monitor websites and social media platforms, with the stated goal of preventing their use in promoting violence or terrorism, and stopping the spread of information deemed a threat to national security and stability. This initiative followed the creation of a similar unit in 2011 tasked with responding to false information on foreign news sites and social media.<ref name=":10" />

In January 2017, Bahrain ratified the Arab Treaty on Combating Cybercrime, a framework aimed at regulating the misuse of telecommunications, curbing financial fraud, and preventing the spread of terrorism and pornography online. This treaty also introduces provisions for real-time monitoring and data retention, as well as cross-border information sharing. However, the treaty's weak human rights standards could potentially compromise privacy protections when it is incorporated into local law.<ref name=":10" />

Bahrain lacks a comprehensive privacy law. Although a personal data protection law was passed in July 2018, it includes an exemption for national security-related data processing by the Interior Ministry, security services, and other relevant government bodies.<ref name=":10" />

==== Data Retention Policies ====
Since 2009, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has required all telecommunications providers to retain records of customers' phone calls, emails, and website visits for up to three years. These companies must also grant security forces access to subscriber data upon request from the public prosecution, although data content access requires a court order.<ref name=":10" />

To obtain an operating license (see A5), telecom providers must create a “lawful access capability plan” that facilitates security forces’ access to communications metadata. In February 2016, the provider 2Connect had its license revoked for failing to establish this plan.<ref name=":10" />

Cybercafés are also subject to increased oversight, with a commission from four ministries ensuring strict adherence to rules that prohibit access to minors and mandate that all computer terminals remain fully visible to observers.<ref name=":10" />

Transparency reports from companies indicate that Bahrain made one data request to Google, six to Twitter, and three to Facebook in the first half of 2017, though all requests were denied. There were no requests made in 2018. It remains unclear how local providers comply with state requests for user data, as such information is not publicly disclosed.<ref name=":10" />

Bahrain introduced a personal data protection law in July 2018, which mirrors the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and outlines requirements for entities collecting, processing, and storing personal data, including obtaining user consent and informing them of data collection. However, the enforcement details of this law are still uncertain.<ref name=":10" />

==Freedom of Association==
According to the Human Right Watch 2011 country report, freedom of association is severely curtailed by an association law, "which prohibits organizations from involvement in political activities."<ref name=HRW2011/> The [[Bahrain Human Rights Society]], Bahrain Centre for Human Rights and [[Bahrain Youth Human Rights Society]] have been closed or ordered to close.<ref name=HRW2011/>

In June 2017, the [[National Democratic Action Society]] party (Wa'ad) was banned on terrorism charges. The ban was criticised by [[Amnesty International]] and [[Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy]]. Lynn Maalouf of Amnesty International stated that "the suspension of Waad is a flagrant attack on freedom of expression and association".<ref>{{cite news|last1=McKernan|first1=Bethan|title=The Middle Eastern kingdom of Bahrain is quietly heading towards a 'total suppression of human rights|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/bahrain-unrest-protests-banning-political-parties-waad-wefaq-shia-sheik-isa-qassim-a7771351.html|access-date=8 June 2017|work=[[The Independent]]|date=3 June 2017|location=[[Beirut]]}}</ref>

==Bandargate==
{{main|Bandargate scandal}} 
The Bandargate scandal refers to an alleged political conspiracy by the certain government officials in Bahrain to foment sectarian strife and marginalize the Shia community in the country. The conspiracy was allegedly led and financed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and head of the Civil Informatics Organization and member of the Al Khalifa royal family. The allegations were revealed in September 2006, in a 240-page document produced by the Gulf Centre for Democratic Development, and authored by Dr Salah Al Bandar, an adviser to the Cabinet Affairs Ministry. Following the distribution of the report, Bahraini police forcibly deported Dr Al Bandar to the United Kingdom, where he holds citizenship.
According to Dr al-Bandar, the Minister paid five main operatives a total of more than $2.7&nbsp;million to run:
*a secret intelligence cell spying on Shi’as
*GONGOs – government operated bogus NGOs like the ‘Bahraini Jurists Society’ and the ‘Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society’
*internet forums and websites that foment sectarian hatred
*subsidisation of ‘new converts’ from Shia Islamic sect to the Sunni sect
*payments for election rigging.

==Freedom of religion==
{{Main|Freedom of religion in Bahrain}}
The Constitution states that Islam is the official religion and that Shari'a (Islamic law) is a principal source for legislation. Article 22 of the Constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings, in accordance with the customs observed in the country; however, the Government placed some limitations on the exercise of this right. The Government continued to exert a level of control and to monitor both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, and there continued to be government discrimination against Shi'a Muslims in certain fields. Members of other religious groups who practice their faith privately do so without interference from the Government. There were occasional reports of incidents between the Government and elements of the Shi'a majority population, who were often critical of the Sunni-controlled Government's rule. Problems continued to exist, stemming primarily from the Government's perceived unequal treatment of Shi'a in the country.

===Destruction of religious facilities===
In the wake of the 2011 [[Arab Spring]] uprising and crackdown against Shia protest in Bahrain, "dozens" of Shia mosques have been leveled by the government according to a report in McClatchy newspapers. According to Shiite leaders interviewed by the reporter, work crews have often arrived "in the dead of night, accompanied by police and military escorts", to demolish the mosques, and in many cases, have hauled away the buildings' rubble before townspeople awake so as to leave no trace. Sheikh Khalid bin Ali bin Abdulla al Khalifa, the minister of justice and Islamic affairs for Bahrain, defended the demolitions stating: "These are not mosques. These are illegal buildings." However the McClatchy reporter found that photos taken of several mosques before their destruction by the government "showed they were well maintained, decades-old structures."<ref name="gutman">[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/0511/Bahrain-s-Sunni-rulers-target-Shiite-mosques Bahrain's Sunni rulers target Shiite mosques], By Roy Gutman, McClatchy Newspapers, 11 May 2011</ref>

===Media and publication===
Bahrain has [[List of newspapers in Bahrain|eight daily newspapers]] representing a broad section of opinion. In 2002, ''[[Alwasat (Bahraini newspaper)|Al Wasat]]'' was set up by [[Mansoor Al-Jamri]], the son of Bahrain's spiritual [[Shi'a]] leader, Sheikh [[Abdul-Amir Al-Jamri]] and the spokesman of the [[Bahrain Freedom Movement]]. The paper is broadly sympathetic to the Shia Islamist opposition, particularly [[Ali Salman]]. [[Akhbar Al Khaleej]] has traditionally been close to Bahrain's Left and Arab nationalist strands, featuring controversial columnists such as Sameera Rajab. [[Al Ayam (Bahrain)|Al Ayam]] is seen as solidly pro-government, with its proprietor an advisor to the King.

The Press Law 47 of 2002 has been strongly criticised as restrictive as it specifies criminal charges against those who criticise the head of state or Islam, or "threaten national security".  However, discussion in the newspapers is often robust with journalists frequently criticising government ministers: for instance one newspaper recently criticised the Minister of Housing, Fahmi Al Jowder, for lavishing "ludicrous praise" on the King.<ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/03/01/10022312.html Minister criticised for lavishing 'undue praise', Gulf News, 3 January 2006]</ref>

Liberal intellectuals in the press have faced concerted campaigns against them by Islamists. In 2005, hundreds of Shia Islamists protested outside the Al Ayam's offices after it published a cartoon on Iran's [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]]'s election victory; while a Sunni Islamist campaign against the paper's editor, Isa Al Shaygi, was condemned at a conference of the [[International Federation of Journalists]]: "The vicious and unprovoked attack on a respected and distinguished colleague is an example of the intolerant and undemocratic character of extremist politics that is increasingly being used against the free press."<ref>[http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?Index=3910&Language=EN Journalists’ Leaders Condemn Attack on Independent Newspaper and Editor in Bahrain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930154810/http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?Index=3910&Language=EN |date=30 September 2007 }}[[International Federation of Journalists]], 15 May 2005</ref>

Various Bahraini liberal intellectuals in Bahrain strongly criticized the Bahraini government for "favoring extremist Islamic religious groups and hastening to respond to their demands at the expense of the interests of many social groups and various sectors of production," and expressed concern "about the course that Bahraini politics is taking in light of the fear of The decline of freedoms and the issuance of Taliban-ish laws that tighten the screws on them."<ref name="Limited 2005">{{cite web | publisher=Elaph Publishing | title=ليبراليو البحرين يتهمون الحكومة بمحاباة الاسلاميين | website=Elaph - إيلاف | date=2005-10-29 | url=https://elaph.com/Web/Politics/2005/10/101545.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212171728/https://elaph.com/Web/Politics/2005/10/101545.html | archive-date=2022-12-12 | url-status=live | language=ar | access-date=2022-12-12}}</ref>

All broadcast media is owned and managed by the government. In 2005, three website administrators were arrested by security forces.<ref>[http://www.freemedia.at/cms/ipi/freedom_detail.html?country=/KW0001/KW0004/KW0089/ World Press Freedom Review 2005: Bahrain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926235507/http://www.freemedia.at/cms/ipi/freedom_detail.html?country=%2FKW0001%2FKW0004%2FKW0089%2F |date=26 September 2007 }}, [[International Press Institute]]</ref>

As such, many political websites and blogs are blocked by the government,<ref>[http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=19487 Authorities block access to influential blog covering Bandargate scandal], [[Reporters Without Borders]], 30 October 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06103001 Onslaught on freedom of expression in Bahrain continues] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212857/http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06103001 |date=27 September 2007 }}, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, 30 October 2006</ref> and as of November 2005 the government requires all Bahraini websites to register with the Ministry of Information.<ref>[http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=13380 Reporters Without Borders denounces press freedom threat in website registration], [[Reporters Without Borders]], 26 April 2005</ref> In August 2006, Bahraini government authorities blocked internet access to [[Google Earth]] and [[Google Video]].<ref>[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/d14d3576-7bfa-11db-b1c6-0000779e2340.html Google Earth spurs Bahraini equality drive], [[Financial Times]], 24 November 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref08080600 Bahraini Authorities Block Access to Google Earth and Google Video] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518101318/http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref08080600 |date=18 May 2007 }}, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, 8 August 2006</ref> Recently they have blocked the popular site anonymous.com<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anonymous.com.bh/|title=anonymous.com|access-date=3 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604042000/http://www.anonymous.com.bh/|archive-date=4 June 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In October 2006, the Criminal Court issued a ban on the publication of any news, information or commentary on the series of allegations in the [[Bandargate scandal]], which has continued to date.<ref>[http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06100500 Bahraini Higher Criminal Court: Banning Publication of News or Information Related to the "Bandar-Gate" Scandal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310140345/http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06100500 |date=10 March 2007 }}, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, 5 October 2006</ref> In the following weeks, the Ministry of Information ordered Bahraini [[Internet service provider|ISP]]s to block several websites that violated the ban, include the websites of [[National Democratic Action]] (liberal opposition political society), the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights and the [[Arab Network for Human Rights Information]].<ref>[http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06110200 Ahead of elections: Bahrain govt threatens website owners with prosecution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108003018/http://www.bahrainrights.org/ref06110200 |date=8 January 2009 }}, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, 2 November 2006</ref> The block order was accompanied by press statements from the Ministry threatening the website owners with legal action.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120908023248/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=160332&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29225&date=10-31-2006 Banned 'blogs' face legal action], [[Gulf Daily News]], 31 October 2006</ref>

In January 2009, Bahrain has started blocking a vastly increased number of sites through the [[Information Affairs Authority]] (IAA). The new filtering has had a noticeable impact in internet access speeds for all traffic.

On 31 August 2014, photographer Ahmed Humaidan was condemned to 10 years in prison after covering the 2011 uprising, allegedly for attacking the police.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/moyen-orient/20140901-bahrein-photojournaliste-condamne-10-ans-prison/|title=Bahreïn: un photojournaliste condamné à 10 ans de prison – Moyen-Orient – RFI|date=1 September 2014|language=fr-FR|access-date=2016-09-24}}</ref>

===Public gatherings===
New political freedoms mean that public political activity and demonstrations are a common occurrence: according to the Ministry of Interior's figures there were 498 street demonstrations in 2006, up from 259 the previous year.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125010124/http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10113736.html Bahraini rallyists 'often do not know' purpose of protests], 26 March 2007</ref>

In July 2005, [[Human Rights Watch]] said:

{{blockquote|Bahrain has been a poster child for political reform in the Middle East, but police attacks like this one are a worrisome trend. [...] Bahrain is growing more repressive in response to peaceful political activism.<ref>[http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/07/22/bahrai11401.htm Bahrain: Investigate Police Beatings], [[Human Rights Watch]], July 22, 2005</ref>}}

Despite this prediction, the [[European University Institute]], in its study of civil society in Bahrain in 2006, ''Voices in Parliament, Debates in Majalis, Banners on the Street: Avenues of Political Participation in Bahrain'', found that:

{{blockquote| Demonstrations of all sorts occur on a regular bases – less than common in the region. The laws regulating rallies and demonstrations predate the reforms; a bill for a new one has not yet been passed by parliament. As is the case with press freedom, a general liberal practise without the necessary legal foundation can be assessed. Normally neither the government nor the security forces interfere with demonstrations – unless feeling threatened. This lack of legal certainty is obviously wanted: ‘You have to see what we practice, not what is written in laws. Our practise is very liberal. One also has to see in which part of the world we're living’ says the then head of the central informatics organisation and now minister of the royal court, Sheikh Mohammed bin Atiyatallah Al Khalifa.<ref name="iue.it"/>}}

Bahrain is the only country in the Middle East to have sacked a senior government minister as a direct result of a human rights issue. In 2004, when the security forces fired rubber bullets at a demonstration led by Shia religious leaders, [[King Hamad]] immediately fired the country's longstanding Interior Minister (and member of the royal family) Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.<ref name="iue.it">[http://www.iue.it/RSCAS/WP-Texts/06_27.pdf Voices in Parliament, Debates in Majalis, Banners on the Street: Avenues of Political Participation in Bahrain] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927234454/http://www.iue.it/RSCAS/WP-Texts/06_27.pdf |date=27 September 2007 }}, Katja Niethammar, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute, 2006</ref>

While public demonstrations about various issues regularly take place, they have sometimes resulted in clashes between the police and youths. Fifteen Bahraini [[Shia]] activists were arrested between 16 and 20 May May 2007 following clashes the police. Thirteen remain in custody, (as of June 2007) according to the [[Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights]]. In response to the problem presented by violent protestors, the Serbia-based human rights group, the Centre for Applied Non-Violent Action and Strategies, has been invited to Bahrain to teach demonstrators how to demonstrate peacefully. Under the scheme begun in 2007, peace camps will be set up in various trouble spots where specialists will advise on using protest strategies that do not involve violence. It is expected that a thousand youths will go through the training scheme.<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=188959&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30130 Peace camp a hit in villages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026084056/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/story.asp?Article=188959&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30130 |date=26 October 2007 }} Gulf Daily News, 28 July 2007</ref>

The Interior Ministry had to resist pressure in May 2007 from business leaders to 'crack down' on the rioters, as well as deal with concerns that local residents would take matters into their own hands and deal with the rioters themselves. Concerns about vigilantism resulted in a call by Central Municipal Council vice-chairman Abbas Mahfoodh for closer cooperation between politicians and the Interior Ministry to stamp out rioting, after residents of the town of Tubli confronted and chased away three masked men who allegedly planned to commit acts of sabotage using Molotov cocktail firebombs.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125213250/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=182166&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30055&date=5/14/2007 Action against rioting urged], Gulf Daily News, 14 May 2007</ref>

In a report issued in 2006, the "[[Arab Network for Human Rights Information]]" (a member of the [[International Freedom of Expression Exchange]]) documented two cases of human rights activists being harassed by government authorities, through physical and sexual assaults, and fabricated cases.<ref>[http://www.hrinfo.net/en/reports/re2006/ Sexual assaults and fabrication of cases against journalists and activists: "Tunisia, Egypt, and Bahrain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029093817/http://www.hrinfo.net/en/reports/re2006/ |date=29 October 2018 }}, [[Arab Network for Human Rights Information]], 2006</ref>

Since June 2016, the village of [[Diraz]] has been besieged by the Bahraini government. The siege included the Bahraini government from forcibly preventing Shias to perform the congregational Juma (Friday) prayer in the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Diraz.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bahrain Prevents Shia from Performing Largest Friday Prayer for 57th Consecutive Week|url=http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30142-bahrain-prevents-shia-from-performing-largest-friday-prayer-for-57th-consecutive-week|website=Shiite News|access-date=18 August 2017|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819063018/http://www.shiitenews.org/index.php/bahrain/item/30142-bahrain-prevents-shia-from-performing-largest-friday-prayer-for-57th-consecutive-week|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Apostasy and changing religion===
{{See also|Apostasy in Islam}}
The Bahraini Penal Code does not enlist a penalty for [[Apostasy]] or [[Atheism]] explicitly, but since Apostasy is [[Apostasy in Islam#In classical fiqh|punishable by death]] in [[Islam]], and since [[Constitution of Bahrain|Bahrain's constitution]] states that Islam is the official religion and that [[Sharia]] (Islamic law) is a principal source for legislation,<ref name="Bahraini Constitution">{{cite constitution | article = 2 | section = 1 | polity = Bahrain | ratified = 2002 (rev. 2017)}}</ref> as such, there is an established state religion where Islamic studies are mandatory in state schools, there is a religious control over family law or legislation on moral matters, by declaring Islam as the state religion and Islamic law as the source of legislation, the constitution implies that Muslims are forbidden to change their religion.<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019">{{cite web | title=Bahrain | website=Freedom of Thought Report | date=2019-04-28 | url=https://fot.humanists.international/countries/asia-western-asia/bahrain/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428045734/https://fot.humanists.international/countries/asia-western-asia/bahrain/ | archive-date=2019-04-28 | url-status=live | access-date=2022-12-12}}{{Creative Commons text attribution notice|cc=bysa4|from this source=yes}}</ref> Societal pressure reinforces the Islamic principle, which forbids the conversion from Islam.<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019" /> therefore Bahraini citizens born to Muslim parents cannot change their religion legally.<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019" />

=== Public restrictions during religious holidays ===
During [[Ramadan]], Bahrain enforces strict laws prohibiting the public consumption of food, drink, or smoking during daylight hours, with violators—Muslim or non-Muslim—facing jail terms of up to one year and fines up to 100 Bahraini dinars, in accordance with Articles 309 and 310 of the Penal Code.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2021-04-19 |title=Bahrain: Jail for those eating in public during Ramadan fasting hours |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-jail-for-those-eating-in-public-during-ramadan-fasting-hours-1.78606280 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907111700/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-jail-for-those-eating-in-public-during-ramadan-fasting-hours-1.78606280 |archive-date=2024-09-07 |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}</ref> These regulations aim to preserve respect for the fasting period, one of Islam's five pillars, but raise significant concerns regarding [[Human rights in Bahrain#Freedom of religion|freedom of religion]] and '''civil rights''', particularly for non-Muslim citizens, and or [[Secularity|secular]] individuals, and [[expatriate]]s who do not observe Ramadan.<ref name=":6" /> Additionally, the Ministry of Information orders the closure of [[Bar (establishment)|bars]] during the month, particularly targeting [[hotel]]s that fail to comply with the alcohol [[Prohibition|ban]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2005-11-07 |title=Closure of bars for flouting Ramadan rule sparks debate |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/closure-of-bars-for-flouting-ramadan-rule-sparks-debate-1.443610 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907112043/https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/closure-of-bars-for-flouting-ramadan-rule-sparks-debate-1.443610 |archive-date=2024-09-07 |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=gulfnews.com |language=en}}</ref> Hotel representatives have criticized these measures, highlighting the negative economic impact on tourism and their infringement on individual freedoms.<ref name=":7" /> Critics argue that imposing such religious norms on the broader population and non-observant communities contradicts the principle of "no compulsion in religion" and harms Bahrain's reputation as a tolerant and inclusive country.<ref name=":7" /> While these regulations are intended to respect Islamic traditions, they are seen as limiting [[Civil liberties|personal freedoms]], alienating non-Muslim residents and visitors, and economically damaging key sectors like hospitality and tourism.

=== Religious Indoctrination ===
{{See also|Indoctrination}}
In the past, up until the [[Iranian revolution|Islamic Revolution of 1979]], the Iranian school was the school of choice most Bahrainis would go to, as such, the school had a [[Secular education|secular approach]] influenced by the [[Pahlavi dynasty|Pahlavi Dynasty]].<ref name=":112"/>{{rp||page=|pages=293–294}} The Iranian school was shutdown in 1996 after the "Islamic Republic of Iran", whom then had gained control of the school, was accused by the Bahraini government of interfering in the country's internal politics and affairs throughout the school.<ref name=":112"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=المحلية |first=المنامة-محرر الشئون |title=للمرة الثالثة... سقوط أجزاء من المدرسة الإيرانية |url=http://www.alwasatnews.com/news/240871.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729081344/http://www.alwasatnews.com/news/240871.html |archive-date=2019-07-29 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=صحيفة الوسط البحرينية |language=ar |quote=وأبدى الأهالي «تخوفهم من إصابة الأطفال الذين عادة ما يلعبون بالقرب من مبنى المدرسة الذي أصبح قديما جدا كما انه قريب جدا من أحد المساجد ما يعرض مرتادي المسجد للخطر في حال دخولهم أوخروجهم من وإلى المسجد». يشار إلى أن المدرسة الايرانية تم اقفلها بالتزامن مع انتفاضة التسعينات في العام 1996 بعدما اتهمت البحرين إيران بالتدخل في شئونها الداخلية. وتأسست المدرسة في أواخر القرن التاسع عشر الميلادي، وتعتبر من أوائل المدارس التي افتتحت في البحرين والقائمون عليها هم مجموعة من البحرينيين من ذوي الاصول الايرانية، وعلى رغم استعداد الكثير من الشخصيات لتبني إعادة بناء المبنى فإن الجهات المعنية لم تعر تلك الشخصيات أي اهتمام. ويعتبر مبنى المدرسة أحد المباني التراثية في البحرين. |trans-quote=The residents expressed their concerns about the potential harm to children who often play near the school building, which has become very old and is also very close to one of the mosques, posing a risk to mosque-goers when they enter or exit. It is noted that the Iranian school was closed during the uprising of the 1990s in 1996, after Bahrain accused Iran of interfering in its internal affairs. The school was established in the late 19th century and is considered one of the first schools opened in Bahrain, founded by a group of Bahrainis of Iranian descent. Despite many individuals expressing their willingness to support the reconstruction of the building, the relevant authorities have shown no interest in these individuals. The school building is regarded as one of the heritage sites in Bahrain.}}</ref>

In Bahrain's [[state school]]s, Islamic ([[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Maliki school|Maliki]]) studies are mandatory for all students hailing from Muslim families, not choice based as it is (said to be) in the case of Non-Muslims.<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019" /> As such, a lot of these schools educational materials (produced by Al-Obekan, a Saudi company) include religious references and influences.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |url=https://www.edunet.bh/e_content/level_1/stage_6/subject_ID_5/Part_1/e_books/Science-G6-P1-2023(1)/Science-G6-P1-2023(1).pdf |title=العلوم - الصف السادس الابتدائي - الجزء الأول |publisher=[[Obekan]] |edition=3rd |pages=10, 33, 46, 61 |language=ar |trans-title=Science - Sixth Grade - Part One}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite book |url=https://www.edunet.bh/e_content/level_1/stage_5/subject_ID_5/Part_1/e_books/Science-G5-P1-2023(1)/Science-G5-P1-2023(1).pdf |title=العلوم - الصف الخامس الابتدائي - الجزء الأول |publisher=[[Obekan]] |year=2023 |edition=3rd |pages=6, 87, 94, 95, 103, 110 |language=ar |trans-title=Science - Fifth Grade - Part One}}</ref> Many Bahrainis choose send their children to Bahraini schools simply due to the fact that governmental schools are free of charge for Bahraini citizens, this implies that the majority of Bahraini students are being [[Indoctrination|indoctrinated]] at such a young age without [[consent]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Furthermore, students from non-Muslim or secular backgrounds may feel marginalized by the religious framing of education. This raises important questions about academic integrity and the right to an education free from [[Indoctrination|religious indoctrination]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

International human rights standards, such as those outlined in the [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]], emphasize the importance of education that encourages critical thought and respects diverse beliefs. The practice of including religious texts in science curricula may conflict with these principles, necessitating a careful balance between cultural values and the right to a secular education.

==== Incorporation of Religious Texts in Scientific Education ====
The integration of religious texts, particularly [[Āyah|Quranic verses]],<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> into the science curriculum has raised concerns regarding the intersection of education and freedom of religion.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} Across various grades in government schools, science textbooks often include verses from the Quran alongside discussions of biological concepts, such as cells and heredity.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" />

This practice may aim to align scientific teachings with Islamic values, fostering a sense of cultural identity among students. However, the inclusion of religious texts can complicate the objective of providing a comprehensive and [[secular education]]. Critics argue that this approach may hinder students' ability to distinguish between empirical scientific knowledge and religious beliefs, potentially limiting their understanding of fundamental scientific principles.

==Women and children==
{{See also|Women's political rights in Bahrain|}}

King Hamad's moves to promote women's rights have been described by Amnesty International as representing a "New Dawn for Bahraini Women".<ref>[http://web.amnesty.org/web/wire.nsf/March2002/Bahrain New Dawn for Bahraini Women] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318031338/http://web.amnesty.org/web/wire.nsf/March2002/Bahrain |date=18 March 2007 }} The Wire, Amnesty International, March 2002</ref> In 2002, women voted for the first time in national elections and were given equal political rights.

However, these top-down reforms have proven contentious, with calls for reform opposed by conservatives and the [[Al Khalifa|royal family]]. In 2002 the decision by [[King Hamad]] to grant women the right to vote and equal political rights with men was opposed by a majority of Bahraini women, with 60% of women<ref>[http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=5888 In the Gulf, women are not women's best friends] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309102730/http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=5888|date=9 March 2007}}, [[Daily Star (Beirut)|Daily Star]], 20 June 2005 (republished by Yale Global)</ref> surveyed saying they disagreed with the move. Salafists have publicly restated their opposition to women's participation in parliament, and none of the Islamist parties that dominate parliament has ever fielded a female candidate. One woman won a seat in parliament in 2006, although her victory in the sparsely populated constituency in the south of the country was seen by some as engineered by the government which wanted to see a woman represented in Council of Deputies.

A bill prompted by women's rights activists in 2005 to introduce a unified personal status law to protect women's rights in marriage, divorce and other family matters was opposed in a series of large-scale demonstrations organised by an alliance of Salafists and Shia Islamists including [[Al Wefaq]] and [[Asalah]]. The demonstrations (and the implicit threat of escalation by those who organised them) forced the government to withdraw the law and was seen as a major defeat for women's rights activists.

In response to sweeping poll victories by Islamists in [[Bahraini parliamentary election, 2006|2006's election]], [[Amnesty International| Amnesty International Bahrain]]'s head of campaigns, Fawzia Rabea, described the threat to women's rights as 'very serious' and called on women to do everything in their power to fight laws proposed by the new parliament that could limit their freedom. After newly elected [[Al Wefaq]] MP, Sayed Abdulla Al A'ali, called for legislation to restrict women's employment rights by banning women from "male-orientated jobs", Ms Rabea said, "With this type of thinking I am sure we are facing a very big challenge with parliament. I am worried about this, it is very serious." Bahrain Women's Union president, Mariam Al Ruwaie, expressed surprised at the MP's suggestions, "This does not agree with His Majesty the King's reforms, which give women and men the same rights for education and work. In Bahrain's society women make up 26 per cent of the labour force, there are more girls in schools and universities than men and their results are better...I am worried because the parliament has not started and he [Mr Al A'ali] has said something like this. It is a bad start."<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=163123&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29255&date=11-30-2006 Women fight to keep freedom], [[Gulf Daily News]], 30 November 2006</ref>

[[Ghada Jamshir|Ghada Jamsheer]], one of the most prominent women's rights activist in Bahrain<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070106174618/http://www.time.com/time/europe/html/060522/jamsheer.html Ghada Jamsheer], [[Time magazine]], 14 May 2006</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20120710054639/http://gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=143558&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29056 Activist on Forbes list], [[Gulf Daily News]], 15 May 2006</ref> has called the government's reforms "artificial and marginal". In a statement in December 2006 she said:

{{blockquote|The government is using the family law issue as a bargaining tool with opposition Islamic groups. This is evident through the fact that the authorities raise this issue whenever they want to distract attention from other controversial political issues. While no serious steps are taken to help approve this law, although the government and its puppet National Assembly had no trouble in the last four years when it came to approving restrictive laws related to basic freedoms.

All of this is why no one in Bahrain believes in Government clichés and government institution like the [[Supreme Council for Women|High Council for Women]]. The government used women's rights as a decorative tool on the international level. While the High Council for Women was used to hinder non-governmental women societies and to block the registration of the Women Union for many years. Even when the union was recently registered, it was restricted by the law on societies.<ref>[http://chanad.weblogs.us/?p=516 Women in Bahrain and the Struggle Against Artificial Reforms], Ghada Jamsheer, 18 December 2006</ref>}}

In 2017, a British mum got jailed in Bahrain after her 'violent husband accused her of adultery.’ Hannah James was thrown behind bars after her husband claimed she had cheated on him.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Scott |last2=Updated |date=2017-01-06 |title=British mum jailed in Bahrain after 'violent husband accused her of adultery' |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-mum-jailed-bahrain-after-9560688.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907102320/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/british-mum-jailed-bahrain-after-9560688.amp |archive-date=2024-09-07 |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}</ref>

In recent years, [[Feminist movement|feminist activism]] has gained prominence in online discussions and social media platforms. Users have utilized these spaces to raise awareness about gender-based violence and advocate for women’s rights. In August 2021, social media campaigns emerged demanding the right for Bahraini women to pass their citizenship to their children. Similarly, in September 2021, Twitter users highlighted the difficulties women face when seeking divorce due to the rigid nature of Islamic [[Sharia#Court procedures|Sharia courts]].<ref name=":12" />

===Women in the 2011 crackdown===
Bahraini human rights groups say "hundreds of women have been detained" in recent weeks prior to 30 May 2011, "the first time in the wave of protests sweeping the Arab world that large groups of women have been targeted".<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2011/05/31/136818563/women-the-latest-target-of-bahrains-crackdown Women The Latest Target Of Bahrain's Crackdown] by Kelly McEvers, 31 May 2011</ref>

===Child rights===

In March 2021, [[Human Rights Watch]] and [[Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy]] claimed that children aged between 11 and 17 were being held by Bahrain police over protest-related cases since mid-February 2020. The children were unnecessarily detained during the 10th anniversary of the [[Bahraini uprising of 2011|2011 pro-democracy uprising]]. The groups claimed that the children were beaten and threatened with rape and electric shocks by the Bahraini security forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/10/bahrain-police-beat-threaten-children|title=Bahrain: Police Beat, Threaten Children, Parents, Lawyers Barred from Interrogations, Hearings|date=10 March 2021|access-date=10 March 2021|publisher=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> A 13-year-old child was hit on his head, while the police continued with the threats to rape him, give him electric shocks from a car battery, and beat his genitals. Prosecutors and police barred the parents and lawyers of children from being present during the interrogations as children were terrorized into confessing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bahrain-security/rights-groups-say-bahrain-police-beat-children-and-threatened-them-with-rape-idUSKBN2B21N4|title=Rights groups say Bahrain police beat children and threatened them with rape|date=10 March 2021|access-date=10 March 2021|work=Reuters}}</ref>

A 15-year-old boy, Hussein Sayed Taher, was arbitrarily arrested at the age of 12 and sentenced to 8 years in prison. He went on a hunger strike in August 2021 as he was being ill-treated by Bahraini authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bahrainileaks.com/en/2021/08/10/child/|title=A child goes on hunger strike in Bahrain prisons against his arbitrary arrest|date=10 August 2021|access-date=10 August 2021|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102225119/https://bahrainileaks.com/en/2021/08/10/child/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 7 February 2022, the [[Human Rights Watch]] and [[Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy]] (BIRD) said that the Bahrain authorities detained six children, aged 14 and 15, without any written justification. They were being held in a child welfare facility. The authorities denied the parents’ requests to visit their children and to be present during their interrogations. The children's alleged offences occurred in December 2020 or January 2021, when they were 13 and 14. The Office of the Public Prosecution alleged that the boys damaged a car near a police station by throwing Molotov cocktails.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/02/08/bahrain-boys-arbitrarily-detained-orphanage|title=Bahrain: Boys Arbitrarily Detained in Orphanage|access-date=7 February 2022|website=Human Rights Watch|date=7 February 2022}}</ref>

== LGBT Rights ==
{{Main|LGBT rights in Bahrain}}
Technically, consensual sex between same sex couples is legal. However, the government has in recent years adopted restrictive measures towards what it identifies as "moral" issues. By including homosexual sexual acts and behaviour under the category of "immoral" behaviour, the government has attempted to indirectly ban homosexuality. The punishments for some of these crimes can include five months of hard labour and, although it is seldom sentenced, imprisonment of up to ten years.<ref name="Freedom of Thought Report 2019" />

==Labor==
{{further|Slavery in Bahrain|Modern slavery}}
According to the [[International Confederation of Free Trade Unions]] annual report of 2006 unions are allowed to play an "effective role" with workers having the right to unionise. According to the ICTFU's annual report:

{{blockquote|The Workers' Trade Union Law of September 2002 introduced the right to belong to trade unions in Bahrain. It established the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions (GFBTU) but not full freedom of association, as all trade unions have to belong to the GFBTU. Workers in the private and public sector may join trade unions, including non-citizens, who make up the majority of Bahrain's workforce.

Only one trade union may be formed at each establishment, but no prior authorisation is required to form a union. The only requirement is that the union's constitution must be communicated to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, together with the names of the founding members.

An amended trade union law that would allow government employees to form trade unions but would remove some workers rights' protection was submitted to Parliament in October 2004. However it had still not been approved by the end of 2005.

Trade unions are not subject to administrative dissolution. They may not engage in political activities.<ref>[http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Index=991223920&Language=EN Bahrain, Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights Worldwide Report], [[International Confederation of Free Trade Unions]], 7 June 2006</ref>}}

The ICFTU's main concern in its 2006 report was that a new labour law would be far more restrictive of worker's rights.<ref>[http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Index=991223810&Language=EN Brutal Suppression of Workers’ Rights Detailed in Worldwide Report], [[International Confederation of Free Trade Unions]], 7 June 2006</ref> The ICFTU commented:

{{blockquote|A new law, soon to be passed, looks set to restrict unions' freedom to carry out a legal strike. There was much concern about the lack of proper protection foreseen for foreign workers who make up 60 per cent of the workforce. The head of Gulf Air's union was sacked shortly after his election.<ref name="icftu.org">[http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Index=991223920&Language=EN Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights, 2006], [[International Confederation of Free Trade Unions]], June 2006</ref>}}

A visiting delegate from the [[International Labour Organization]] at a seminar in Bahrain on trade unionism, held under the patronage of the Labour Ministry, described some of Bahrain's labour laws as out of line with international standards. According to the ILO international labour standards department deputy director, Karen Curtis, the current rules governing where strikes can be held in Bahrain were too restrictive.<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=165149&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29276&date=12-21-2006 Union law 'out of global step'], [[Gulf Daily News]], 21 December 2006</ref>

In response to the government's labour reforms, Bahrain's Crown Prince, [[Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa]], was invited as guest of honour to the [[International Labour Organization]]'s 96th session,<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=184935&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30083&date=6-11-2007 ILO honour for Crown Prince], Gulf Daily News, 11 June 2007</ref> where he used the opportunity of addressing the conference to announce that the first regional dialogue on workers' issues would be held in Bahrain. "This will offer countries that recruit manpower and those that provide it an opportunity to engage in an open and honest discussion on the impact of globalisation."<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=185001&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30084&date=6/12/2007 Voice for workers, Gulf Daily News], 12 July 2007</ref> The ILO Director General Juan Somavia has described the Crown Prince as an innovator with a modern vision of commitment to change and a belief in dialogue. Somavia has noted that Bahrain had been one of the pioneers of Decent Work Country Programmes, beginning with a pilot programme in 2002.<ref>[http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang--en/WCMS_082998 Crown Prince of Bahrain calls for increased social dialogue, fair globalization, announces regional labour summit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930230310/http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang--en/WCMS_082998 |date=30 September 2007 }}, International Labour Organization, 11 June 2007</ref>

===Migrant workers===
According to Human Rights Watch,<ref name=migrantworkers2 /> in as of 2011 there were more than 458,000 guest workers in Bahrain, many of whom experience prolonged periods of withheld wages, passport confiscation, unsafe housing, excessive work hours and physical abuse.<ref name=HRW2011/> Government protective measures are "largely ineffective."<ref name=HRW2011/><ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=171212&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29344&date=2-27-2007 Wage row workers in protest march], Gulf Daily News, 27 February 2007</ref>

In August 2009 Bahrain adopted Decision 79/2009 permitting guest workers, except for domestics, more freedom to change jobs.<ref name=HRW2011/> According to Human Rights Watch, as of 2011 many workers were unaware of this right.<ref name=HRW2011/>

In 2007, government passed legislation to ban construction and other outdoor work between noon and 4&nbsp;pm during the summer – the hottest times of the day. The vast majority of those involved in this type of work being expatriate labourers from the Indian sub-continent. The move was backed by a "massive" labour inspection campaign by the Ministry of Labour to ensure that companies obeyed the decision. The ban was criticized by construction companies saying that the government's decision would delay their projects, but according to the Ministry of Labour, migrant workers' protection representatives and human rights activities have welcomed the move.<ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/07/17/10139834.html Campaign to ensure implementation of break rule in Bahrain launched] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929134009/http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/07/17/10139834.html |date=29 September 2007 }}, Gulf News, 17 July 2007</ref>

An ICFTU Annual Report 2006 found that "Foreign workers harshly treated":

{{blockquote|There are a large number of foreign workers and, while in theory they are allowed to join unions and run for union office, they mainly prefer to stay out of union activities as they have no protection against dismissal. According to the proposed legislation, if expatriate workers overstay their work permits, they suffer heavy fines, are imprisoned for unspecified lengths of time and then deported. The government admitted that the new law would not give domestic servants any employment rights, but contained measures that would protect them against abuse from employers.<ref name="icftu.org"/><ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=188951&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30130&date=7/28/2007 New union for construction workers], Gulf Daily News, 28 July 2007</ref>}}

Bahrain is considered a Tier 2 country on the US State Department Trafficking in Persons report, the second highest tier, and indicated that Bahrain "does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking," but is "making significant efforts to do so."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.adhrb.org/2017/06/us-state-department-releases-2017-bahrain-trafficking-persons-report-2/|title=US State Department Releases 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report on Bahrain|date=2017-06-30|website=Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref>

==Greenwashing==
On 4 November 2021, the [[United Kingdom|UK]] politicians accused Bahrain of "textbook [[greenwashing]]", as the regime promoted its green credentials at [[2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference|COP26]] while causing 'irreparable damage' to the environment by participating in the Saudi-led [[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)|Yemen war]]. In a joint letter sent to the crown prince [[Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa]], six British politicians and Members of Parliament stated that Bahrain's continued participation in the Saudi-led bombing campaigns destroyed ecosystems and contaminated the soil and water in [[Yemen]], while contributing to the humanitarian disaster in the country. The signatories said that Bahrain's involvement in the war undermines its commitment to tackle [[climate change]] and protect the environment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bahrain accused of Cop26 'greenwashing' as it continues Saudi-led war in Yemen|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/bahrain-cop26-greenwashing-yemen-politicians-b1950813.html|website=Independent|date=4 November 2021|access-date=4 November 2021}}</ref>

==Academic whitewashing==
In November 2021, the European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR) reported that Bahrain is using institutional collaborations to hide abysmal human rights records. Such partnerships between an academic institution and an abusive regime are based on the concept of academic whitewashing. It may include donating funds, paying regular visits, engaging in spreading misinformation or teaching courses despite awareness of the countries’ human rights abuses. According to the report, Bahrain was using this strategy of academic whitewashing to conceal its record of systematic discrimination against Shia Muslims, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech. Bahrain's ambassador to the [[United States]] maintains a relationship with [[Boston University]] and [[Suffolk University]], while he has a history of overseeing human rights abuses committed by the Bahraini government. Besides, the UK based [[University of Huddersfield]] is also directly involved with Bahrain's Royal Academy of Policing (RAP), an organisation that has repeatedly been accused of engaging in torture. Another example is the Italian University [[Sapienza University of Rome|La Sapienza]], which inaugurated a new professorship to honor Bahrain's King.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Academic whitewashing: How Bahrain uses academic partnerships to hide its gross human rights abuses|url=https://www.ecdhr.org/?p=1378|website=ECDHR|date=11 November 2021|access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref>

==Human rights NGOs==
There are several generic human rights NGOs in Bahrain, and other NGOs working in related fields such as women's rights, child rights and migrant labour. The two most prominent organisations have been the [[Bahrain Human Rights Society]] and the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, which have frequently been highly critical of one another, the Center accusing the Society of having been unduly close to government. Other NGOs active around 2008–10 included the [[Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights]], the Women's Petition Committee, the Committee for Martyrs and Victims of Torture, the Human Rights Office of the [[Haq Movement|Haq Movement for Liberty and Democracy]], the Committee for Citizenship-less and the Coordinating Committee for the Defence of Political Detainees.

As of 2011, several human rights NGOs, including at least the first three named above, had been closed or ordered to close, as was the Bahrain [[Migrant Workers' Protection Society (Bahrain)|Migrant Workers' Protection Society]].<ref name=HRW2011/>

In the wake of the 2011 uprising, Physicians for Human Rights<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://phr.org/|title=Through evidence, change is possible.|website=Physicians for Human Rights}}</ref> has become internationally recognized for its work exposing human rights violations in Bahrain, particularly regarding medical neutrality. The organization released a report titled ''Do No Harm: A Call for Bahrain to End Systematic Attacks on Doctors and Patients'', in April 2011 which detailed the government's persecution of medical professionals.<ref name="phr"/>

[[Shia rights watch]], an NGO based in Washington, DC, has also stepped up to expose the violations against Shia Muslims in Bahrain. The organization published a report titled ''Shia Target of Inhumane Treatment: Bahrain Report 2011'', which documents the systematic oppressions of Shia Muslims by the government of Bahrain.

Bahrain also cancelled the visas of Human Rights Watch personnel. They were supposed to be in Bahrain for a conference.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/10/bahrain-revokes-human-rights-watch-parliament-conference-visas?traffic_source=KeepReading | title=Bahrain revokes Human Rights Watch parliament conference visas }}</ref>

==National human rights institution==
In 2008, during the [[Universal Periodic Review]] of its human rights record at the [[United Nations Human Rights Council|UN Human Rights Council]], the Government announced plans to create a [[national human rights institutions|national human rights institution]] for Bahrain. The [[Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights]] and the Foreign Ministry jointly organised a workshop in Manama, bringing in NHRI experts from [[Jordan]], [[Morocco]] and [[Northern Ireland]] to meet a wide range of Bahraini civil society. The NHRI was duly established by the King on 11 November 2009 through Royal Order No. 46/2009.

On 25 April 2010, Royal Order No. 16/2010 appointed 17 men and five women as the first members of the NHRI, including prominent human rights activists Salman al-Sayyid 'Ali Kamal al-Din, the former deputy secretary-general of the independent Bahrain Human Rights Society, as president.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/mde110022010en.pdf|title=Bahrain: National human rights institution bolstered by appointment of prominent activists|website=Amnesty International}}</ref> While the appointments were initially welcomed by [[Amnesty International]], other NGOs including the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights questioned the credibility and independence of the new institution. The Center alleged that several of the 22 nominees held government appointments or were linked to bodies accused by the Society of operating as government fronts or [[GONGO]]s, such as the [[Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society]], the Jurists Society and the Association of Public Freedoms and Human Rights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bahrainrights.org/en/node/3086|title=The King of Bahrain recently formed a governmental body under the name of "the National Human Rights Institution"}}</ref>

On 6 September 2010, Salman Kamal al-Din resigned as president, in protest at the institution's failure to criticise the arrests of pro-democracy activists.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report-2011/world-report-2011-bahrain|title=World Report 2011: Bahrain|author=Human Rights Watch|date=24 January 2011}}</ref> The current president of the institution is [[Maria Khoury]] and the [[Secretary General]] is Dr. [[Khalifa Al-Fadhel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nihr.org.bh|title=Official Website|work=NIHR Bahrain|access-date=18 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023145345/http://www.nihr.org.bh/|archive-date=23 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

December 2016, Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor condemned Bahrain's policies which restrict the freedom of press and media. The violations include arresting, and torturing journalists who have a contrary political view to the government. According to the International Monitor, these journalists are accused of being involved in acts of sabotage or even in supporting terrorism. The decline of the level of press freedom has put Bahrain in the 142 out of 180 on the global press freedom rankings for 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/1613/Bahrain-acts-once-again-to-suppress-freedom-of-the-press|title=Bahrain acts once again to suppress freedom of the press|last=Monitor|first=Euro-Med|newspaper=Euro-Mediterranean|access-date=2016-12-12}}</ref>

==See also==

*Al Bandar report
*[[Bahrain Centre for Human Rights]]
*[[Bahrain Human Rights Society]]
*[[Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society]]
*[[Human rights in Islamic countries]]
*[[List of Bahrain-related topics#Human rights in Bahrain|List of Bahrain-related topics]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2|refs=
<ref name="AlArab_suspended_20150202">{{cite news |title=Saudi prince's Al-Arab news channel goes off air hours after launching |date=2 February 2015 |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/02/saudi-prince-alarab-news-channel |access-date=2015-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203005221/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/02/saudi-prince-alarab-news-channel |archive-date=3 February 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

}}

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[https://www.hrw.org/en/middle-eastn-africa/bahrain Human Rights Watch: Bahrain]
*[http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/bahrain/page.do?id=1011111 Amnesty International: Bahrain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429083004/http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/bahrain/page.do?id=1011111 |date=29 April 2011 }}
*[http://bahrainrights.org Bahrain Centre for Human Rights] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614073246/http://www.bahrainrights.org/%252F |date=14 June 2012 }}
*[http://www.bhrws.org Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414202441/http://www.bhrws.org/ |date=14 April 2021 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928022850/http://www.redress.org/country_bahrain.html Redress Trust: Bahrain]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070207050942/http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/220/ International Freedom of Expression Exchange: Bahrain]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070219023437/http://www.ndi.org/worldwide/mena/bahrain/bahrain.asp National Democratic Institute: Bahrain]
*[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61686.htm Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – 2005], US Department of State
*[http://www.icftu.org/list.asp?Type=ALL&Order=Date&Language=EN&STEXT=bahrain International Confederation of Free Trade Unions: Bahrain]
*[http://www.arabhumanrights.org/en/countries/index.asp?cid=2 Arab Human Rights Index: Bahrain]
*{{cite web|url= http://www.apfw.org/data/annualconference/2004/english/papers/Bahrain04MahaEn.pdf |title=Freeing the Arab Media from State Control: The state of the Press in Bahrain }}&nbsp;{{small|(116&nbsp;KB)}}, Arab Press Freedom Watch Third Annual Conference, May 2004
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928063646/http://gcclub.org/lectures058.html Bahrain: Five years of lost opportunities], Proceeding of a seminar held under the auspices of [[Eric Lubbock, 4th Baron Avebury|Lord Avebury]], the vice-chairman of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group in the [[House of Lords]], 15 December 2005
*[https://www.un.org/webcast/unhrc/archive.asp?go=080407 Review of Bahrain] by the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]]'s [[United Nations Human Rights Council#Universal Periodic Review Working Group|Universal Periodic Review]], 7 April 2008

{{Human rights in the Middle East}}
{{Asia topic|Human rights in}}
{{Bahrain topics}}
{{Internet censorship by country}}{{2011 Bahraini uprising}}

[[Category:Human rights in Bahrain| ]]
[[Category:Human rights by country|Bahrain]]