Shia Rights Watch Condemns Rising Arrests and Revocation of Citizenship in Bahrain

Shia Rights Watch Condemns Rising Arrests and Revocation of Citizenship in Bahrain
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A prominent human rights organization has strongly condemned what it describes as escalating systematic repression against Shia citizens in Bahrain, expressing deep concern over recent widespread arrests and citizenship revocations in the country.

In a statement obtained by Shia Waves Agency, the Shia Rights Watch said Bahraini authorities have carried out multiple raids and detentions targeting activists, clerics, and young people. The group noted that some of those arrested were charged with offenses such as “forming terrorist cells” and “collaboration,” charges it says lack sufficient material evidence.

The statement also criticized the Bahraini government’s continued use of citizenship revocation as a punitive measure, calling the practice inconsistent with international human rights standards, particularly with respect to the right to nationality and protection against arbitrary deprivation of citizenship.

The organization highlighted accounts from inside prisons alleging that some detainees have been subjected to psychological and physical pressure to extract confessions. It also raised concerns that recent trials have relied on secret investigations and collective sentencing, including convictions and citizenship stripping.

According to the rights group, the wave of arrests has been accompanied by what it termed restrictions on religious practices and targeted measures against individuals advocating for equality and justice.

The organization urged the international community and the United Nations to act to secure the release of individuals detained for expressing opinions or on sectarian grounds, to reverse citizenship revocations, and to initiate an independent international investigation into allegations of torture in Bahraini prisons.