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USCIRF: Bahrain as a Tier 2 country “for engaging in or tolerating religious freedom violations

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<p>THE U.S. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM (USCIRF) issued its annual report in April 2019. The report was published to monitor religious freedom abroad and makes policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state, and Congress. The 2019 Annual Report documents religious freedom violations and progress during calendar year 2018 in 28 countries and makes independent recommendations for U.S. policy.</p>

<p>The report is divided into three sections. The first section focuses on the U.S. government&rsquo;s implementation of IRFA and provides recommendations to bolster U.S. efforts to advance freedom of religion or belief abroad. The second section highlights 16 countries USCIRF concludes meet IRFA&rsquo;s standard for &ldquo;countries of particular concern,&rdquo; or CPCs, for the period covered by this report, which USCIRF refers to as Tier 1 countries. The third section of the Annual Report highlights 12 countries USCIRF categorizes as Tier 2, defined by the Commission as nations in which the violations engaged in or tolerated by the government during 2018 are serious and characterized by at least one of the elements of the &ldquo;systematic, ongoing, and egregious&rdquo; CPC standard.</p>

<p>In 2019, USCIRF places Bahrain on its Tier 2 for engaging in or tolerating religious freedom violations that meet at least one of the elements of the &ldquo;systematic, ongoing, egregious&rdquo; standard for designation as a &ldquo;country of particular concern,&rdquo; or CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).The part related to Bahrain concluded with recommendations to the US&nbsp; government. The most important of these recommendations was to urge the Bahraini government to clarify the terms and enforcement of the 2016 amendment to article 5 of the 2005 Political Society Law, which prohibits religious figures from &ldquo;inciting hatred,&rdquo; and repeal articles 309 and 310 of Bahrain&rsquo;s Penal Code that impose fines and jail time for blasphemy.</p>

<p>Click <a href="https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2019USCIRFAnnualReport.pdf">here</a>to read the full report</p>

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Bahrain: where tweeting can land you in jail

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<p>Many cases reflect the increasingly restrictive and dangerous environment faced by human rights activists and those willing to express their opinions inside Bahrain.</p>

<p>One of the most well-known cases is of prominent human rights defender <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/12/31/bahrain-rights-defenders-conviction-... Rajab</a>. Having served several prison sentences since 2011&rsquo;s pro-democracy uprising, he is no stranger to the fundamentally unjust Bahrain judicial system. Incarcerated for tweeting about the killing of civilians by the Saudi Arabia-led military coalition in Yemen, in addition to allegations of government-sanctioned torture in Bahrain&rsquo;s prisons, he faces a bleak and tough future ahead. &nbsp;Nabeel Rajab is one of dozens of human rights defenders unjustly imprisoned for refusing to stay silent on his government&rsquo;s rights abuses</p>

<p>A similar desire by the government of Bahrain to quash political dissent also sits front and centre in the case of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/11/thailand-to-free-bahraini-... Al Araibi</a>. His outspoken remarks against Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, a member of Bahrain&rsquo;s royal family, is believed to have been the underlying reason for his detention in a Thai prison for nearly three months.</p>

<p>Instead of embarking upon a path towards progressiveness, inclusivity and reform, Bahrain has made an active decision to entrench policies of hostility and repression. Unfortunately, these attitudes will only draw further criticism towards the oil-rich state, as activists and political opposition figures will continue to be forced to flee in search of safety and security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Click here for <a href="https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/bahrain-where-tweeting-can-land-you-in-...

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Bahrain: Threats and defamation against Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha and Hussein al-Satri

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BHR 001 / 0619 / OBS 048
Threats /
Defamation
Bahrain
June 7, 2019

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint partnership of FIDH and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Bahrain.

Description of the situation:

The Observatory has been informed by reliable sources about the threats and defamation against Messrs. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha, Vice-president of the NGO Salam for Democracy and Human Rights and Board member of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, and Hussein al-Satri, an online activist [1].

According to the information received, on May 19, 2019, the Director General of Anti-corruption and Economic & Electronic Security (Ministry of Interior) announced that an investigation launched into Twitter accounts “that tended to encourage sedition and harm civil peace, social fabric and stability” in Bahrain had shown that most of these accounts were managed by individuals based in Iran, Qatar, Iraq, European countries such as France and Germany, and Australia, and by “fugitives convicted in absentia” [2]. In his statement, the Director General namely accused Messrs. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha and Hussein al-Satri of managing an “e-network of accounts providing false information” and said that legal action will be taken against those accounts holders. Following this statement, the King of Bahrain and its Prime Minister also called on those running these Twitter accounts to be held to account.

On May 21, 2019, the media outlet Al Arabiya published a video report about the Ministry of Interior’ statement. The video [3] describes Messrs. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha and Hussein al-Satri as “wanted” men. The two defenders have never been consulted by the media to get quotes or their versions of the facts. Mr. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha stated he would denounce this act of defamation before courts and considers these threats constitute a reprisal for his human rights work and Tweets denouncing the human rights violations in Bahrain.

The Observatory recalls that Mr. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha has already been targeted for information he shared on social media in the past. In December 2012, Mr. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha was arrested for allegedly spreading false information on Twitter, following his documentation of a peaceful protest in Manama. He was held in pre-trial detention for one-month and then released on bail on January 17, 2013.

The Observatory is deeply concerned about the threats and acts of defamation against Messrs. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha and Hussein al-Satri, and fears the consequences those could have on their family members based in Bahrain. The Observatory believes these threats are only aimed at punishing Messrs. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha and Hussein al-Satri for their legitimate human rights activities and exercise of their freedom of expression and opinion, as it has been the case with other human rights defenders in Bahrain, including Mr. Nabeel Rajab [4].

Actions requested:

Please write to the authorities of Bahrain asking them to:

i. Guarantee in all circumstances the physical integrity and psychological well-being of Messrs. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha, Hussein al-Satri, their family members, and all human rights defenders in Bahrain;

ii. Put an end to all threats and acts of harassment, including at the judicial level, against Messrs. Sayed Yousif Almuhadafdha, Hussein al-Satri and all the human rights defenders in Bahrain;

iii. Comply with all the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 9, 1998, in particular its Articles 1, 11 and 12;

iv. Ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments ratified by Bahrain.

Read more: https://www.fidh.org/en/issues/human-rights-defenders/bahrain-threats-and-defamation-against-sayed-yousif-almuhadafdha-and

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Nabeel Rajab: 3 YEARS IN DETENTION

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Bahrain’s most prominent human rights defender, Nabeel Rajab is the head of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), deputy secretary general of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), and a member of the Human Rights Watch Middle East and North Africa Advisory Committee. He is being detained in Jaw Prison since his initial arrest since June 2016. This day marks the third anniversary of Nabeel Rajab’s arrest.

Rajab is a prisoner of conscience held solely for his peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression. He is one of dozens of human rights defenders unjustly imprisoned for refusing to stay silent on his government’s rights abuses.

Nabeel Rajab is a prominent human rights defender who has been repeatedly targeted for his human rights work and criticism of the Bahraini authorities. Rajab has been in and out of prison since 2012 and subject to a travel ban since November 2014. He is currently serving a 5-year prison sentence, convicted of “spreading false rumors in time of war”, “insulting a foreign country", and “insulting public authorities”, in relation to peaceful tweets about the conflict in Yemen and torture allegations in Jaw prison. Such sentences reflect the increasingly restrictive and dangerous environment faced by human rights activists.

On 6 June 2018, the Council of Paris has unanimously awarded honorary citizenship to Nabeel Rajab, in recognition of his fight for freedom, democracy and human rights.

On 14 June 2018, the European Parliament adopted Resolution (RC8-0281) which strongly condemns the crackdown on human rights in Bahrain and calls for Nabeel Rajab’s immediate release.

On 15 August 2018, The United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued a formal decision declaring Bahrain’s imprisonment of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab unlawful. Nabeel Rajab is being arbitrarily detained under eight articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and seven articles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, according to the Working Group. This is “in violation of the rules of international law may constitute crimes against humanity”.

On 8 October 2018, Nabeel Rajab was shortlisted for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which is bestowed upon those who deliver outstanding commitment and action in the defence of human rights, both in Europe and internationally.

On 31 December 2018, Bahrain’s Court of Cassation upheld the five-year prison sentence of human rights defender and prisoner of conscience Nabeel Rajab. He was convicted of “spreading false rumors in time of war”, “insulting a foreign country" and “insulting public authorities”, in relation to peaceful tweets about the conflict in Yemen and torture allegations in Jaw prison. Nabeel Rajab has therefore exhausted all legal remedies in this case.

Urgent international pressure for Nabeel Rajab’s release is needed. Bahrain Center for Human Rights therefore urges Bahraini authorities to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Nabeel Rajab.
- Quash his convictions and sentences, and drop all charges against him.
- Undertake a prompt, impartial, independent and effective investigation into his allegations of ill-treatment. The findings of the investigation must be made public and anyone suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice in fair proceedings.

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US Pressure to Deny Palestinian Rights in “Deal of the Century” Bahrain Workshop Must be Rejected

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We, the undersigned, express our grave concern regarding the US-led “Peace to Prosperity” workshop in Bahrain, which poses a significant threat to the Palestinian right to self-determination, justice, and equality. The Bahrain workshop is part of President Trump’s anticipated Palestine-Israel peace plan, touted as the “Deal of the Century,” and will be held later this month to discuss investment in the occupied Palestinian territory as an economic solution to the question of Palestine.

Although the contents of the plan have not yet been released, the troubling pattern of the current US administration’s policies portend what the plan will likely entail — a continued course of uncritical support for Israel at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian people. Since 2017, the Trump administration’s policies have undermined Palestinian rights, contravened international law, and flouted longstanding US policies with regard to Israel and Palestine. President Trump has recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan in violation of international law, which does not recognize sovereignty over territory taken from another country by force. It has also cut crucial US funding to UNRWA for its work with Palestinian refugees, eliminated USAID programs in the West Bank and Gaza, and closed the Washington office of the General Delegation of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

These US policies jeopardize the inalienable rights of Palestinians to self-determination and an independent Palestinian state, an end to the prolonged occupation, an end to Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise, and the right of return of Palestinian refugees.

Palestinians have been held captive to Israel’s market and economy due to the prolonged occupation and are facing increasing economic pressure as a result of US policies. Now, Palestinians will be asked to give up their inalienable rights and struggle for freedom and justice in exchange for vague promises of economic cooperation and an alleged better standard of living. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and a number of prominent Palestinian businessmen have made it clear that they oppose the plan and will not be attending. Russia and China will also boycott the workshop. However, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have announced their plans to attend as the Gulf states are expected to provide the bulk of the investment funding. Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt will also be sending representatives.

The Palestinian people are facing an Israeli-made humanitarian, human rights, and political crisis that is deeply rooted in geopolitical incentives and cannot be wished away through aid and investment, as envisioned by the proponents of the Bahrain workshop. These efforts echo the “checkbook diplomacy” put forward during the Oslo peace process, while ignoring the ramifications of Israel’s prolonged military occupation and colonization endured by the Palestinian people for more than five decades. The lack of political will to put an end to Israeli impunity and disregard for international law are the root causes of the continued occupation, annexation, and colonization of Palestinian territory. International aid has merely subsidized and sustained the status quo, making the military occupation cost free and profitable for the Israeli government.

In order to bring about a just resolution that meets international legal standards, the underlying causes of this crisis – which stem from the occupation – must be properly addressed. If the international community and states in the region do not oppose the Bahrain workshop and the US policies that it represents, the Israeli government will be emboldened to further entrench the occupation through settlement expansion, annexation of Palestinian territory, and maintaining its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli leadership has already pledged to begin annexing parts of the West Bank. Further, the US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, recently stated that Israel “has the right to retain some, but unlikely all, of the West Bank.” Such acts would be in violation of international law pertaining to self-determination and the unlawful annexation of territory. If these policies are enacted, it would exacerbate the existing human rights crisis and deny Palestinians any prospects for development – which remain out of reach if effective access to their land and natural resources is not realized.

Not only does the US plan imperil Palestinians’ aspirations for basic rights and an independent state, it also poses significant risks to the stability of the region. The US administration’s disregard for international principles and law will have wide-reaching and long-term ramifications threatening the progress that has been made in the acceptance of the international order and legislation protecting human rights.

We call on the international community and states of the region to reject any and all efforts to sacrifice Palestinians’ internationally recognized rights to self-determination, justice, freedom, and equality. Any legitimate peace process must be based on the principles of international law, justice, and equality.

In particular, we call on all Arab states not to attend the Bahrain workshop due to the absence of formal Palestinian representation, as no party has the right to negotiate on behalf of Palestinians. We further call on Arab states to match their words of support for Palestinian rights and a Palestinian state with their actions by ensuring that any agreement reached involves Palestinian participation and includes the fulfillment of Palestinian rights as enshrined under international law by putting an end to Israel’s illegal occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory, as well as accountability for the persistent human rights abuses, war crimes, and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the occupying power – its institutions, military, and agents.

Signatory organizations:

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies
Al-Haq
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights
Community Action Center – Al Quds University
PHRO – Palestinian Human Rights Organization
Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights
SCM – Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression
SNHR – Syrian Network for Human Rights
Bahrain Center for Human Rights
Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Researches
DAAM – Democratic Transition and Human Rights Support Center
Libyan Center for Freedom of Press
Belaady for Human Rights (Libya)
Jurists Without Chains (Libya)
Women Defenders Network (Libya)

US Pressure to Deny Palestinian Rights in “Deal of the Century” Bahrain Workshop Must be Rejected

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We, the undersigned, express our grave concern regarding the US-led “Peace to Prosperity” workshop in Bahrain, which poses a significant threat to the Palestinian right to self-determination, justice, and equality. The Bahrain workshop is part of President Trump’s anticipated Palestine-Israel peace plan, touted as the “Deal of the Century,” and will be held later this month to discuss investment in the occupied Palestinian territory as an economic solution to the question of Palestine. Although the contents of the plan have not yet been released, the troubling pattern of the current US administration’s policies portend what the plan will likely entail — a continued course of uncritical support for Israel at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian people. Since 2017, the Trump administration’s policies have undermined Palestinian rights, contravened international law, and flouted longstanding US policies with regard to Israel and Palestine. President Trump has recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan in violation of international law, which does not recognize sovereignty over territory taken from another country by force. It has also cut crucial US funding to UNRWA for its work with Palestinian refugees, eliminated USAID programs in the West Bank and Gaza, and closed the Washington office of the General Delegation of the Palestine Liberation Organization. These US policies jeopardize the inalienable rights of Palestinians to self-determination and an independent Palestinian state, an end to the prolonged occupation, an end to Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise, and the right of return of Palestinian refugees. Palestinians have been held captive to Israel’s market and economy due to the prolonged occupation and are facing increasing economic pressure as a result of US policies. Now, Palestinians will be asked to give up their inalienable rights and struggle for freedom and justice in exchange for vague promises of economic cooperation and an alleged better standard of living. The Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and a number of prominent Palestinian businessmen have made it clear that they oppose the plan and will not be attending. Russia and China will also boycott the workshop. However, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have announced their plans to attend as the Gulf states are expected to provide the bulk of the investment funding. Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt will also be sending representatives. The Palestinian people are facing an Israeli-made humanitarian, human rights, and political crisis that is deeply rooted in geopolitical incentives and cannot be wished away through aid and investment, as envisioned by the proponents of the Bahrain workshop. These efforts echo the “checkbook diplomacy” put forward during the Oslo peace process, while ignoring the ramifications of Israel’s prolonged military occupation and colonization endured by the Palestinian people for more than five decades. The lack of political will to put an end to Israeli impunity and disregard for international law are the root causes of the continued occupation, annexation, and colonization of Palestinian territory. International aid has merely subsidized and sustained the status quo, making the military occupation cost free and profitable for the Israeli government. In order to bring about a just resolution that meets international legal standards, the underlying causes of this crisis – which stem from the occupation – must be properly addressed. If the international community and states in the region do not oppose the Bahrain workshop and the US policies that it represents, the Israeli government will be emboldened to further entrench the occupation through settlement expansion, annexation of Palestinian territory, and maintaining its blockade of the Gaza Strip. Israeli leadership has already pledged to begin annexing parts of the West Bank. Further, the US Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, recently stated that Israel “has the right to retain some, but unlikely all, of the West Bank.” Such acts would be in violation of international law pertaining to self-determination and the unlawful annexation of territory. If these policies are enacted, it would exacerbate the existing human rights crisis and deny Palestinians any prospects for development – which remain out of reach if effective access to their land and natural resources is not realized. Not only does the US plan imperil Palestinians’ aspirations for basic rights and an independent state, it also poses significant risks to the stability of the region. The US administration’s disregard for international principles and law will have wide-reaching and long-term ramifications threatening the progress that has been made in the acceptance of the international order and legislation protecting human rights. We call on the international community and states of the region to reject any and all efforts to sacrifice Palestinians’ internationally recognized rights to self-determination, justice, freedom, and equality. Any legitimate peace process must be based on the principles of international law, justice, and equality. In particular, we call on all Arab states not to attend the Bahrain workshop due to the absence of formal Palestinian representation, as no party has the right to negotiate on behalf of Palestinians. We further call on Arab states to match their words of support for Palestinian rights and a Palestinian state with their actions by ensuring that any agreement reached involves Palestinian participation and includes the fulfillment of Palestinian rights as enshrined under international law by putting an end to Israel’s illegal occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory, as well as accountability for the persistent human rights abuses, war crimes, and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the occupying power – its institutions, military, and agents. Signatory organizations: Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies Al-Haq Palestinian Centre for Human Rights Al Mezan Center for Human Rights Community Action Center – Al Quds University PHRO – Palestinian Human Rights Organization Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights SCM – Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression SNHR – Syrian Network for Human Rights Bahrain Center for Human Rights Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Researches DAAM – Democratic Transition and Human Rights Support Center Libyan Center for Freedom of Press Belaady for Human Rights (Libya) Jurists Without Chains (Libya) Women Defenders Network (Libya)
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From 2011 to 2019: The Screams of Torture Still Echo

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Bahrain Center for Human Rights issued a new report entitled “From 2011 to 2019: The Screams of Torture Still Echo”, on the occasion of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The report is published in English language to highlight the acts and victims of torture in Bahrain since 2011.

The report provides an overview of the current status of human rights violations in Bahrain, particularly those pertaining to allegations of ill-treatment and torture of political prisoners, while held in police custody. It also provides a background on the status of torture in Bahrain by providing readers with a glance at earlier cases and events of the last few years.

In a number of recommendations, BCHR calls on the Bahraini government to abide by applicable international and national law prescriptions, and calls on the international community to take immediate steps to address the culture of impunity and the clearly illegal use of torture and ill-treatment, to which individuals continue to be subjected at the hands of the security forces of Bahrain in 2019.
To read the full report click here

From 2011 to 2019: The Screams of Torture Still Echo

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<p>Bahrain Center for Human Rights issued a new report entitled &ldquo;From 2011 to 2019: The Screams of Torture Still Echo&rdquo;, on the occasion of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The report is published in English language to highlight the acts and victims of torture in Bahrain since 2011.</p>

<p>The report provides an overview of the current status of human rights violations in Bahrain, particularly those pertaining to allegations of ill-treatment and torture of political prisoners, while held in police custody. It also provides a background on the status of torture in Bahrain by providing readers with a glance at earlier cases and events of the last few years.</p>

<p>In a number of recommendations, BCHR calls on the Bahraini government to abide by applicable international and national law prescriptions, and calls on the international community to take immediate steps to address the culture of impunity and the clearly illegal use of torture and ill-treatment, to which individuals continue to be subjected at the hands of the security forces of Bahrain in 2019.</p>

<p>To read the full report <a href="/sites/default/files/From%202011%20to%202019%2C%20the%20screams%20of%20torture%20still%20echo%202.pdf">click here</a></p>

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From 2011 to 2019: The Screams of Torture Still Echo

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On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June, BCHR issues the report at hand, which takes stock of the acts and victims of torture in Bahrain in the year 2019.

Bahrain acceded to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UN-CAT) on 6 March 1998. In accordance withits obligation under the convention, Bahrain’s report was due in 1999. However, thegovernment of Bahrain submitted its report five years late, in 2004. Although Bahrain’s firsttreaty Periodic Report was due in 2007, no Periodic Report has been submitted since.

This report provides an overview of the current status of human rights violations in Bahrain, particularly those pertaining to allegations of ill-treatment and torture of political prisoners, including minors, while held in police custody. It also provides a background on the status of torture in Bahrain by providing readers with a glance at earlier cases and events of the last few years.

Information about ill-treatment and torture, as well as other human rights violations mentioned in this report were documented by BCHR by interviewing detainees after their release, or by recording testimonies provided by the families of detainees still in custody.

In this report, BCHR documents different methods of ill-treatment and torture used by the Bahraini authorities, which range from physical to psychological torture methods. These include beatings, forced standing, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, food deprivation, humiliating and degrading treatment, threats against family members or of a sexual nature, among others which will be mentioned in more detail in this report. The methods of ill-treatment and torture are compared with the findings from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report and data from other reports on torture in Bahrain.

Results of the presented data raise questions about the Bahraini authorities practices of systematic arbitrary arrests, use of methods of torture and ill-treatment during interrogation, and detention of people based on politically-motivated charges. Based on the cases we have been able to document, prison sentences often rely on forced confessions, as the interviewees claim, and on more than one occasion defendants lack access to a legal representative during public prosecution.

The findings suggest that the Government of Bahrain (GoB) is not abiding by attributable international and national law with respect to the crime of torture. The alleged new cases presented in this report represent evidence of the current state of affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The report concludes that the GoB, contrary to what it claims, is still practicing grave violations of human rights, including systematic use of torture as a tool to not only punish political dissent, but also instill fear of any attempt of such dissent.

In a number of recommendations, BCHR calls on the Bahraini government to abide by applicable international and national law prescriptions, and calls on the international community to take immediate steps to address the culture of impunity and the clearly illegal use of torture and ill-treatment, to which individuals continue to be subjected at the hands of the security forces of Bahrain in 2016.

Read full report

 

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Final Report: “Bahrain: repression of words and deprivation of rights”

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Bahrain Center for Human Rights issued the yearly final report entitled “Bahrain: repression of words and deprivation of rights”, in both, English and Arabic languages. The report is published to highlight the status of human rights in Bahrain through documentation and statistics of all violations forms (arbitrary arrests and judgments and suppression of all forms of peaceful expression).

In a chronological order, the four parts of the report shed light on what happens in Bahrain including persecution, discrimination, unfair power practices with citizens (249 nationality revocations), and the suppression of peaceful demonstrations. The report shows how authority tries to mute mouths through arbitrary arrests.

The report includes a graph in each part (three months) showing the number of arrests through methods: raids on houses, checkpoints, arrests from the street and others. That is in addition to a graph showing the number of peaceful demonstrations and suppressed one. And all the practices adopted by the authority against human rights practices from the disbanding of Al Wefaq Islamic Party to the activation of the political isolation law and harsh sentences amounting to a total of 6383 years imprisonment.

The report concluded with recommendations to the Government of Bahrain to:

- Signing and acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that aimed at abolishing the death penalty.

-Protecting the freedom of religion to all citizens in Bahrain.

- Urge the government of Bahrain to repeal the amendment to the Military Law and to restore the law to its previous case, which prohibits the prosecution of civilians in military courts.

- Provide basic guarantees for all civilians accused in military courts and re-trials in civil courts with the legal access of lawyers.

-Immediate and unconditional release of all journalists and prisoners of conscious that were arrested as a result expressing their opinion through media.

Read full report here 

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The Persecution of Religions in Bahrain

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In light of the recent events in Bahrain and the disregard of the ruling authorities in Manama for local and international laws and the involvement of systematic violations of religious freedoms according to experts of the United Nations and international organizations concerned with the file of religious freedoms. Bahrain Interfaith, in cooperation with Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) and Amnesty International, organized a conference entitled "Religious persecution in Bahrain ". The conference was attended by human rights and media personalities. The conference was held in Beirut, on Monday July 15. It focused on restrictions on freedom of expression and belief in Bahrain's prisons. From Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Ghiwa Faroukh spoke about restrictions on religious freedoms and stressed that "Bahraini prisons, overcrowded against detainees on political and legal backgrounds, in the country do not take into consideration or include the basic rules for the protection of human rights." The lawyer Abbas Dbouk called on to "find effective international mechanisms according to high standards in the face of any authority that violates the human rights of individuals in their basic rights and freedoms." Amnesty International representative Devine Kenny also spoke of discriminatory policies against Shi’a referring to the following three high-profile cases: the denaturalization of Sheikh Hussein Najati in 2011, the destruction of Shi’a places of worship in 2011, and the denaturalization of Sheikh Issa Qasim in 2016. Soumaya al-Haj Hassan, on behalf of Bahrain Interfaith, spoke of the US State Department's recent report on religious freedoms in Bahrain and noted that the Shiites in Bahrain continue to be discriminated against across jobs, education and the judiciary. She added that Shi'a prisoners are also subjected to humiliation, persecution, ill treatment and denial of treatment.
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On the Occasion of Nelson Mandela International Day, BCHR Is Calling For the Improvement of Prisons Conditions

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<p><strong>&ldquo;Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do&rdquo;,</strong> Mandela once said. He has fought for&nbsp;social justice&nbsp;for 67 years, and has cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all individuals live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.</p>

<p><strong>The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR)</strong> is issuing a statement on the occasion of &ldquo;Nelson Mandela International Day&rdquo; which is celebrated every year on the 18th of July. Nelson Mandela International Day has enjoyed 10 years of global support and solidarity since it was launched in 2009. This day is a perfect opportunity to mark the importance of the call for improving the conditions of prisoners and detainees in Bahrain according to the Nelson Mandela Rules which include all aspects of a dignified life. On the same occasion last year, BCHR released <a href="/sites/default/files/Bahraini%20Prisons%20%282%29.pdf">a report</a> about prisoner conditions in Bahraini prisons.</p>

<p>The conditions in Bahraini prisons have been deteriorating; prisoners are housed in reform institutions that do not meet the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and provide a fertile environment for torture and ill-treatment to extract confessions.</p>

<p>Human rights reports confirm that Bahraini prisons widely apply the &ldquo;policy&rdquo; of denial of treatment in a context of systematic revenge. This has led to the deterioration of the health conditions of prisoners and death cases inside prisons, using widespread physical and psychological torture and denial of basic rights.</p>

<p>Based on this, BCHR calls upon the Bahraini authorities and the International Community concerned with prisoner conditions to:</p>

<ul>
<li>Immediately and unconditionally release all persons detained or convicted on charges related to their fundamental human rights, including their freedoms of expression and assembly;</li>
<li>Ensure that prison authorities conform to Rules 27, 31, 36, 47 and all other rules as stipulated in the Nelson Mandela Rules;</li>
<li>Allow the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture into the country to conduct an independent investigation in relations to prison conditions and the use of torture in detention facilities;</li>
<li>Ensure the independence and well-functioning of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), the Ombudsman, the National Institute for Human Rights, and the Special Investigations Unit so that they can take the necessary steps to investigate and prosecute all individuals and groups found guilty of mistreating or ailing in the mistreatment of detained individuals</li>
</ul>

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Six months’ analysis of rights violations in Bahrain shows heightened volatile crackdown in 2019

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<p><strong><u>Introduction</u></strong></p>

<p>The first six months of 2019 have seen increasing instances of intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders,&nbsp; ​journalists, and active members of civil society in Bahrain. Amid the heightened crackdown on critical voices, the Bahraini government has regressed to a near total suppression of human rights. The Bahrain Center for Human (BCHR) has documented increased numbers of individuals arbitrarily arrested, an increased number of protests, and a significant number of citizenship revocation orders. All major opposition parties have now been dissolved, and stripped of their nationalities. Peaceful protesters ​ died from injuries inflicted by security forces, many caused by the use of birdshot pellets and tear gas.</p>

<p>BCHR is gravely concerned about these recent developments in Bahrain, and the ongoing and increasingly severe and volatile crackdown on human rights defenders, members of the political opposition, journalists, and active members of civil society in the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><u>Review</u></strong></p>

<p>Between 01 January and 30 June 2019, BCHR has recorded a total of 261 arbitrary arrests in Bahrain, amongst which, 23 children, and 2 women.</p>

<p>There have been 128 protests across the country; 5 of these protests were attacked. Numerous injuries were also reported during this time; injuries caused by birdshot pellets were the most common.</p>

<p>Between 01 January and 10 May 2019 BCHR recorded a total of 521 individuals sentenced in politically motivated cases, amongst which 334 had their Bahraini citizenship revoked, rendering them stateless, whilst 46 were sentenced to life. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Since January 2019, 109 individuals were sentenced to death in Bahrain while many countries have, each year, recommended that Bahrain move towards the abolition of the death penalty and impose an official moratorium on the death penalty (104 countries such as France, Germany, United Kingdom, and South Africa).</p>

<p>Mohamed Ramadan, a 36-year-old soldier formerly serving at the Bahrain International Airport, and Husain Ali Moosa, 32 years old, are two Bahraini citizens that were sentenced to death in a collective judgment in 2014. They were convicted for their alleged involvement in the Al-Dair bombing of 14 February 2014 that resulted in the death of a policeman. On 16 November 2015, Bahrain&rsquo;s Court of Cassation &ndash; the highest court &ndash; rejected Mohamed&rsquo;s final appeal. He is currently awaiting imminent execution at Jau Prison. Sentenced to death in the same trial, Husain received a similar treatment. On 22 October 2018, the Court of Cassation overturned their verdict, on the basis of new medical reports, which may exhibit signs of torture. They are currently awaiting a re-trial. The order for a retrial of death-row inmates Mohammed Ramadan and Husain Ali Moosa certainly represented a positive step, given that their case rests on the coerced confession extracted from Mr Moosa. However, there is still a risk that Mr Ramadan and Mr Moosa will be subjected to an unfair trial as they have been prevented from attending recent hearings of their re-trial.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The increased use of indiscriminate violence against critical voices in the country, and the targeted reprisals levied at human rights defenders and their families is demonstrative of the escalated campaign in Bahrain.</p>

<p>Human rights defenders and members of Bahrain&rsquo;s civil society more generally are systematically being harassed and punished, with the use of torture and imprisonment. On 31 December 2018, Bahrain&rsquo;s top court, the Court of Cassation, upheld leading human rights defender Nabeel Rajab&rsquo;s five-year sentence for tweeting his criticism of the war in Yemen and the torture prisoners in Bahrain&rsquo;s notorious Jau Prison are subjected to. Hassan Mushaima, a former political opposition leader, continues to serve his life imprisonment. Female activist Najah Yusuf has been imprisoned for alleged social media activity, which includes Facebook posts calling for peaceful protests against the Bahrain Grand Prix 2017.</p>

<p>The Court of Cassation also upheld the life sentence handed down to former political opposition leader, Sheikh Ali Salman. The lack of any credible political opposition in Bahrain restricts democracy in the country, and reduces avenues for criticism which could lead to a total suppression of the freedom of expression and association in the country.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><u>Trying civilians in military courts</u></strong></p>

<p>The use of military courts to try civilians in Bahrain has particularly been criticized by many countries who called for Bahrain to rescind law 105b, which allows for civilians to be prosecuted in military courts if accused of crimes under the terrorism law. Bahrain should, additionally, review the anti-terrorism law and its implementation to ensure that it is not utilized for abuse, harassment, and detention of dissenters.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><u>Recommendations</u></strong></p>

<p>Based on the above, it is a critical time to push for the end of the systematic clampdown on freedom of expression in Bahrain. The international community is to put more pressure on Bahrain to lift the restrictions on the right to the freedom of expression; it goes without saying that the right to exercise the most basic rights, one cannot expect any reforms or rule of law .BCHR calls on the International Community to pursue its effort to raise concern about the plight of civil society in Bahrain and calls on the Government of Bahrain to take concrete steps to foster an environment in which civil society can operate freely, in accordance with international standards.</p>

<p>Further recommendations for the Government of Bahrain are:</p>

<p>- Signing and acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that aimed at abolishing the death penalty.</p>

<p>- Repeal the amendment to the Military Law and to restore the law to its previous case, which prohibits the prosecution of civilians in military courts.</p>

<p>- Provide basic guarantees for all civilians accused in military courts and re-trials in civil courts with the legal access of lawyers.</p>

<p>-Immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscious that were arrested as a result expressing their opinion through media.</p>

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Feature: 
Issue: 

Urgent Appeal: Ahmad al Mullali and Ali Hakim Al Arab at Risk of Execution

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<p><strong>The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) </strong>is highly concerned about the cases of Ahmad al Mullali and Ali Hakim Al Arab who are sentenced to death and urgently calls for the stop of all death sentences in Bahrain</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>BCHR has received the information that the families of Ahmad al Mullali and Ali Hakim Al Arab both received a call from Jaw Prison, at 9 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. respectively, for a private interview at 2 p.m. in the form of a visit under the Criminal Procedure Code for Execution. These private visits are a dangerous indicator of a risk of execution tomorrow morning i.e. that the King of Bahrain has approved the execution of the above-mentioned individuals, sentenced to death, after having been accused and charged of killing the lieutenant Al Hammadi. The verdict was upheld on 06 May 2019 by the Court of Cassation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Based on the above, BCHR urgently calls on the Government of Bahrain to:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Immediately refrain from the application of the Death Penalty against Ahmad al Mullali and Ali Hakim Al Arab</li>
<li>Commute all death sentences;</li>
<li>Establish a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolition;</li>
<li>Investigate and prosecute all acts of torture, mistreatment, enforced disappearance; and,</li>
<li>Establish procedures to ensure the fairness of all criminal trials and appeals.</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

Document Type: 
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URGENT: Authorities in Bahrain execute both victims of torture Ahmed al-Mullali and Ali al-Arab

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URGENT: Authorities in Bahrain execute both victims of torture Ahmed al-Mullali and Ali al-Arab 

The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) strongly condemns the execution by the Ministry of Interior of both citizens Ahmad al-Mullali and Ali al-Arab, who were executed, a few hours after their relatives visited them in Jau Central Prison. They were detained in relation with the criminal investigation of the assassination of a lieutenant, Hesham al-Hammadi.

The Interior Ministry summoned Mullali’s and Arab’s relatives to an "special visit" on Friday, one of the official holidays in Bahrain and without specifying the number of visitors, which raised fear among both families of imminent execution of their sons. 

On 06 May 2016, the Supreme Court of Appeals upheld the death sentence of detainees Ahmed Issa al-Mullali and Ali Ahmad al-Arab; in addition to life imprisonment for 19 others, as well as sentences of 15 years for 17 detainees, 10 years for 9 detainees and 5 years for 11 detainees including females. The same court decided to revoke the nationality of those sentenced to more than ten years in the same case, who were 47 detainees.

The court largely based its judgment on confessions obtained under conditions of torture of Al-Mullali, Al-Arab and others, where detainees were subjected to ill-treatment and incommunicado detention in circumstances that can be considered as enforced disappearance. BCHR issued, in a previous statement, details about the physical and psychological torture that Al-Mullali and Al-Arab were subjected to in the isolation building in Jau Central Prison, including beating in sensitive places and electrocution, as well as forcing them to stand for long hours.

Amnesty International and HUman Rights Watch both issued urgent appeals to rescue detainees Ali Muhammad al-Arab and Ahmad al-Mullali, noting that they received information about being tortured in Jaw Central Prison, and called on the Bahraini authorities to retry them in accordance with international standards of fair trial, and to stop extracting confessions under torture.

The UN special rapporteur on torture has also reached out to try to save the fate of the two young men. In spite of the efforts from the International Community, the Bahraini authorities still carried out the executions on this day that represents a major stepback in the human rights situation in Bahrain and represents a lack of commitment from the Government of Bahrain to reforms. 

Based on the above, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) calls for the following:

• Abolish the death penalty and death sentences that have been declared

 

Document Type: 
Feature: 

Statement by the Spokeperson on executions in Bahrain

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<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>Bruxelles, 27/07/2019</div>

<div><a href="https://eeas.europa.eu/diplomatic-network/bahrain_en" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" target="_blank">https://eeas.europa.eu/diplomatic-network/bahrain_en</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<p>On 27 July the Kingdom of Bahrain executed three individuals convicted in two separate cases, according to a statement issued by the Public Prosecutor who did not identify them. Human rights groups have identified two of the individuals as Ali Al Arab and Ahmed Al Malali who were both sentenced to death in a mass trial on&nbsp;<a href="https://eeas.europa.eu/diplomatic-network/bahrain/65918/31%20January%202... style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" target="_blank">31 January 2018</a>&nbsp;on terrorism-related charges. Mr. Al Malali was sentenced in absentia. The identity of the third individual is currently unknown.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The executions took place despite reported concerns that the convictions were based on confessions extracted under torture.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The death penalty is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.<br />
No compelling evidence exists showing that the death penalty has a deterrent effect on crime or terrorism and any miscarriages of justice are irreversible.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The European Union is unequivocally opposed to the use of capital punishment in all circumstances and calls on the Kingdom of Bahrain to introduce a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition.</p>

<div>
<p>-- -- Gaelle Dusepulchre Permanent representative to the EU FIDH / International Federation for Human Rights <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/Rue+de+la+Lini+re+15+-+1060+Bruxelles... style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" target="_blank">Rue de la Lini</a>&egrave;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/Rue+de+la+Lini+re+15+-+1060+Bruxelles... style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" target="_blank">re 15 - 1060 Bruxelles</a> Tel : + 32 2 609 44 21 / GSM: + 32 479 49 19 59 <a href="https://www.fidh.org/International-Federation-for-Human-Rights/european-... style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" target="_blank">www.fidh.org</a><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=fidh_eu&amp;src=typd" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" target="_blank">Follow FIDH/EU on Twitter </a></p>
</div>

Document Type: 
Feature: 

Urgent: The health of former MP Osama al-Tamimi is deteriorating after being interrogated by the Ministry of Interior in Bahrain

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<p>The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) expresses its concern about receiving information on the deterioration of the health of former parliamentarian Osama al-Tamimi. He started dialysis after his kidney has stopped functioning. That was after a noticeable deterioration of&nbsp;his health after being summoned and interrogated by the Ministry of Interior in Bahrain.</p>

<p>On Tuesday afternoon, 06 August 2019, police raided the house of former MP Osama al-Tamimi and arrested him arbitrarily after breaking his door and confiscating his personal phone. That happened in front of his family, who had no knowledge of the reason for his arrest. The forces that raided the house did not inform the family of the reason of the arrest, nor did they present a&nbsp;warrant.</p>

<p>Hours after the arrest of al-Tamimi, the Ministry of Interior published a statement in which it announced that the arrest of al-Tamimi came on the background of a case of fraud and forgery filed against him in court. However, after hours of interrogation, Tamimi suffered a relapse that necessitated his immediate transfer to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed his condition as a stroke, that made&nbsp;him lose his ability to move and speak normally.</p>

<p>Although al-Tamimi was not informed of his continued detention, especially as the police left the hospital after his family arrived, he was prevented from traveling when his family was trying to take him abroad for proper treatment. Since then, Tamimi is still undergoing treatment because of his deteriorating health. He started a new stage in dialysis after one of his kidneys stopped functionning.</p>

<p>Tamimi had been subjected to harassment&nbsp;before his last arrest, where he was summoned for investigation more than once. In June of this year, he and his family were targeted by the police. He had then to turn to the US Embassy to get him and his family safely out of Bahrain, but the embassy refused to do so. Al-Tamimi has previously spoken of being harassed and threatened by security agents at different times, and Amnesty International published in its statement on 8 August the details of the harassment of al-Tamimi.</p>

<p class="rteleft" dir="RTL"><a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde11/0858/2019/en/">https://www.am...

<p>In 2014, Tamimi was shot by unknown assailants before his membership in the Bahraini parliament was overthrown. That was after his repeated criticism of the performance of the prime minister and interior minister and his arrest for a year on charges of insulting a security man. Al-Tamimi&#39;s gym was hit by unidentified gunfire once and arson again without the Ministry of Interior reaching the unknown perpetrator.</p>

<p class="rteleft" dir="RTL"><a href="http://www.alwasatnews.com/news/906150.html" target="_blank">http://www.alwasatnews.com/news/906150.html</a></p>

<p>BCHR fears that the arrest of al-Tamimi is in retaliation against him, given the previous campaigns of threats, prosecution and targeting because of a position against the ongoing human rights violations in Bahrain and demanding that those responsible be held accountable. In particular, the manner in which he was arrested highlighted the arbitrary use of power by the authorities, and which is contrary to the principles of human rights. His denial of travel for treatment abroad suggests a violation of the right to liberty of movement, as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights indicates.</p>

<p>Accordingly, BCHR calls on the Bahraini authorities to:</p>

<ul>
<li>Allow al-Tamimi to travel and receive appropriate treatment and ensure that it is not delayed or procrastinated so as not to experience new health relapses.</li>
<li>Ensure that al-Tamimi is not summoned and prosecuted again.</li>
</ul>

<p>BCHR also calls on all Bahraini allies to pressure the Government of Bahrain to:</p>

<ul>
<li>Ensure all human rights, especially those related to freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of movement.</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

Document Type: 
Feature: 
Issue: 

Bahrain: Former MP Osama al-Tamimi is in danger and his family lives in fear every moment

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<p>The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) expresses its concern about the increasing harassment of former MP Osama al-Tamimi. He suffered a stroke in the brain that makes him lose his ability to move and speak normally, hours after his arrest and interrogation. Al-Tamimi&#39;s health is deteriorating as his kidney stopped functioning, which necessitates an urgent dialysis session.</p>

<p>The Tamimi family says they are being harassed by policemen as they surround their house and ask anyone who enters for their identity, as if al-Tamimi is under house arrest.</p>

<p>Now, according to al-Tamimi&rsquo;s daughter who <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1vTnR1h6Bh/?igshid=4hb0bttvf5ou">posted</a> on her Instagram account, a group of policemen are breaking the doors of his house, apparently in an attempt to arrest al-Tamimi, who is in the hospital. She said she was scared because she was alone with her younger brother at home as her mother accompanied her father in the hospital. His brother-that looks like him- saw an arrest warrant issued against al-Tamimi that justify all these actions by the police.</p>

<p>The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) issued earlier a <a href="http://bahrainrights.org/en/node/9157?_ga=2.146450039.254936707.15670681... detailing the arrest of former MP Osama al-Tamimi and the fears that his health would deteriorate.</p>

<p>Based on the above, BCHR calls on the Government of Bahrain to:</p>

<ul>
<li>Allow al-Tamimi to leave Bahrain for treatment abroad before his health deteriorates</li>
<li>Stop harassing the Tamimi family who are concerned about his health and afraid of arbitrary actions they are subjected to.</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

Document Type: 
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Issue: 

Bahrain: Ashura Reveals False Allegations of Respect for Freedom of Religion

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<p>Bahraini Shiites celebrate &ldquo;Ashura&rdquo; on the month of Muharram every year in honor of Imam Hussein, the son of Prophet Muhammad&rsquo;s daughter. Every year, Bahrain witnesses numerous violations related to Ashura, which reveal the false claims of the government to respect the constitutionally and legally guaranteed freedom of religion.</p>

<p>With the beginning of Muharram this year (<strong>2019</strong>), which was on September 1, the Bahraini authorities have taken several measures that are considered official harassment. Authorities have summoned preachers and clerics for participating in religious lectures related to Ashura, interrogating and arresting some of them, and assaulting Ashura&#39;s rituals by removing banners bearing religious phrases.</p>

<p>The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) monitored, from <strong>1 to 8 September 2019</strong>, a large number of summonses, where <strong>23</strong> religious preachers from the Shi&#39;a community were summoned for investigation after delivering religious sermons. They are: Sheikh Abdulmohsen Al-Jamri, Sheikh Mounir Maatouq, Mahmoud Al-Ajimi, Mulla Qasim Zainuddin, Sheikh Fadhel Al-Zaki, Sheikh Jaafar Al-Sayegh, Sheikh Issa Eid, Sheikh Sadiq Rabie, Sheikh Jawad Al-Mirza, Sheikh Hamed Ashour, Sayed Jaber Al-Shahrakani, Al-Sheikh Mohammed Ali Al-Mahfouz, Sheikh Zuhair al-Khal, Sheikh Issa al-Momen, Sheikh Hussein Al-Asfour, Sheikh Hassan Al-Ali, Mulla Mahdi Al-Manami, Sheikh Aziz Al-Khodran, Sheikh Hani Al-Bina, Sheikh Abdul Amir Malallah, Sheikh Hassan Al-Shakhoori, Sayed Ahmed Al-Wadaie. Three of them were arrested before being subsequently released; they are Mulla Qasem Zain El-Din, Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Ajimi, and Sheikh Mounir Al-Maatouq.</p>

<p>The authorities also summoned five preachers: Ali Hammadi, Ahmed Al-Awainati, Sayed Hadi Al-Biladi, Sayed Hani Al-Wadaie and Abdullah Al-Bouri. The authorities additionally summoned 6 Ma&rsquo;tam officials and 3 social activists.</p>

<p>The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) also monitored a number of attacks on Ashura rituals in various areas in Bahrain by police forces.&nbsp;BCHR recorded at least <strong>17 attacks on Ashura manifestations in different areas in Bahrain</strong> through the removal of banners and religious phrases related to Ashura. Among these areas are Muharraq, Bilad Al Qadeem, Al Markh, Abu Saiba, Al Musalla, Al Malikiyah and Nabih Saleh.</p>

<p>BCHR believes that the Shiite clerics and preachers pay the tax of participating in these occasions every time through summonses and investigations leading to arrest and imprisonment.</p>

<p>BCHR believes that these measures, which are still being carried out by the Bahraini authorities, are a clear restriction and an infringement on the freedom of religion, which the Government of Bahrain has stated to respect on many occasions. It is certainly a violation of the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their religious freedoms that the authorities must respect and promote respect for. It is also very unfortunate that the headlines of respect for human rights and freedoms are merely media allegations and have nothing to do with reality.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bahrain Center for Human Rights therefore calls on the Government of Bahrain to: </strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Stop the restrictions on the participants in Ashura rituals.</li>
<li>Launching more freedoms, especially religious freedoms.</li>
<li>Work on increasing respect for freedom of religion and public and personal freedoms.</li>
</ul>

Document Type: 
Feature: 

Bahrain: Nabeel Rajab hearing on 17 September 2019

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On 17 September 2019, the Court of Appeal will hold a hearing on the application submitted by the legal team defending human rights defender Nabeel Rajab to consider altering the charges against him by community service as stipulated in the Alternative Penal Code.

This is the second request submitted by the defense team after the court rejected the first request on 30 April 2019 submitted by the defense team to ask for the use of the alternative penal code adopted by Bahrain in 2018.

The Bahraini authorities arrested Rajab on 13 June 2016 from his home and he has been detained since then.  On 15 January 15 2018, the Court of Cassation upheld Rajab's two-year prison sentence handed down due to the 2015 television interviews he gave on the human rights situation in Bahrain. In another case, Bahrain's Court of Appeal, on 31 December 2018, upheld the sentencing of Nabeel Rajab to five years in prison on charges related to freedom of expression and tweeting about the war in Yemen.

Rajab is subjected to poor conditions in Jaw Central Prison where he is currently detained. Since he was transferred to Jaw Central Prison after being sentenced, he has been held in isolation from other human rights defenders and politicians, and is being held in a cell with nine other prisoners who have been sentenced in cases related to prostitution, which has affected Rajab's psychological state.

The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) strongly condemns the conditions under which Nabeel Rajab is being held, conditions which violate the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, in particular rule C concerning detainees and persons in pre-trial detention. BCHR therefore calls on the Government of Bahrain to:

- Drop all charges against human rights Defender Nabeel Rajab and release him

- Let Rajab serve his sentence through community service, as according to the alternative penal code at least.

- Stop isolating Rajab from other human rights and political prisoners.

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