Bahrain Accused of Human Rights Violations Against Families of Political Prisoners

Bahrain Accused of Human Rights Violations Against Families of Political Prisoners
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Bahrain’s largest opposition group, Al-Wefaq, has accused the government of systematically discriminating against the families of Shiite political prisoners, deepening concerns about human rights abuses in the kingdom.

According to Shia Waves Persian citing a statement by Al-Wefaq, the Ministry of Housing has suspended housing requests and subsidies for the wives of imprisoned Shiite activists without any judicial order. The group said at least 25 families have been affected so far, with 19 housing applications frozen and six others rejected outright.

The move has placed significant financial strain on women and children, with Al-Wefaq describing the decision as discriminatory and in violation of Bahrain’s international commitments to human rights.

At the same time, Bahraini human rights activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh has drawn attention to the treatment of minors in the country’s justice system. She cited the case of 14-year-old Nureen Abbas, who was reportedly detained as if she were a criminal, calling it a blatant violation of children’s rights.

Al-Saegh stressed that such policies reflect what she described as the government’s repressive approach toward families of dissidents and the younger generation.

Rights groups, including international watchdogs, have long accused Bahrain of targeting Shiite citizens with political repression, arbitrary detentions, and discrimination in housing, education, and employment.