Daijiworld Media Network - Manama
Manama, Apr 28: Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals accused of sympathising with Iran and aiding foreign entities, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups and activists.
The directive was issued by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa under provisions of Bahraini nationality law that permit revocation of citizenship for actions deemed harmful to the kingdom’s interests or contrary to loyalty.
According to the order, those stripped of citizenship were accused of expressing support for “hostile Iranian acts,” glorifying such actions, or engaging in espionage with foreign entities. The list also includes dependent family members, with authorities stating that all affected individuals were of non-Bahraini origin.
Campaigners noted that many of those targeted belong to Ajami communities—long-established groups in Gulf countries with ancestral roots in southern Iran.
The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) said this marks the first mass revocation of citizenship in over seven years. Between 2012 and 2019, at least 990 people in Bahrain were stripped of nationality, many of them activists, journalists, and religious figures. In 2019, the king reinstated citizenship to 551 individuals.
Activist Maryam al-Khawaja criticised the move, calling it a longstanding tool used by the ruling family to suppress dissent and target the Shia population. She alleged that due process was not followed and warned that those affected are now effectively stateless, limiting their access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and housing.
BIRD’s Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei also raised concerns, stating that many individuals were neither arrested nor interrogated and were given no explanation for the decision. He added that the absence of legal avenues to challenge the revocation makes families vulnerable and risks separation.
The decision comes shortly after a high-level meeting chaired by the king to address alleged threats to national security and follows recent engagements with Kuwait, which has also been revoking citizenships in recent months.
Observers say the move is part of a broader regional crackdown amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Since the war began, Bahrain has witnessed missile and drone attacks, resulting in casualties and damage across the island.
Human rights groups report that more than 200 people have been arrested in Bahrain since the conflict escalated, with some detentions linked to protests and social media activity. Concerns have also been raised over alleged enforced disappearances.
In a related incident, 32-year-old Mohamed al-Mosawi died in custody last month after reportedly being detained in connection with the conflict. Visual evidence cited by activists indicated signs of physical abuse, sparking protests and allegations of custodial torture. Authorities have since charged an intelligence officer over assault during interrogation linked to his death.