Geneva, 10 July 2017 - The kingdom has been stripping dissidents of their citizenship at an increasing rate. Bahraini authorities have revoked the citizenship of 103 people this year, say human rights activists. Bahrain has stripped 451 people of their citizenship since 2012.

People who lose their citizenship are often convicted of terrorism-related crimes in trials lacking fairness and transparency, confirming once again the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. “Expulsion increasingly appears to be the Bahraini authorities’ weapon of choice when it comes to casting out ‘unwanted’ individuals and silencing dissent,” said James Lynch, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Amnesty International.

The kingdom's crackdown on rights activists and civil society has recently become more violent, fueled by the silence and inaction from the US and the UK. These two major powers have been pushing Bahrain to take more repressive measures than ever before. In fact, in his last visit to Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump met with Bahrain’s sovereign and assured him of the strong relationship between the two countries, proving that the US has no interest in the protection and promotion of human rights. The UK, on the other hand, has been providing weapons to Bahrain and contributing to the suppression of human rights.

Just last month, Bahraini forces brutally attacked peaceful protesters during a sit in in front of major Shiite cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim in Duraz, killing five and wounding dozens. Sheikh Qassim’s citizenship has also been revoked last year. Political groups have been dissolved and independent newspapers have been shut down in what is clearly the kingdom’s vision to completely suppress human rights.

Furthermore, Bahraini forces have abducted and arrested human rights activist Ebtesam al-Saegh just a few days ago for the second time this year. Her location is currently unknown and she is at high risk of torture. ICSFT is deeply concerned with el-Saegh’s safety and demands her immediate release.

Bahrain is also taking part to the Saudi-led invasion of Yemen, contributing to the genocide where millions are food insecure and in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.

ICSFT condemns Bahrain’s barbaric reprisal against human rights activists and civil society and urges the kingdom to end all human rights violations, establishing a transparent and impartial judiciary system. ICSFT calls for the international community and all relevant stakeholders to act now and hold the kingdom accountable for its crimes.