Bahrain suffers from ongoing political unrest, and the government suppresses any form of criticism and systematically punishes peaceful activists and opponents.
Rights to freedom of opinion and expression, including peaceful assembly and associations are restricted by Anti-Terrorism Law, Press Law and various provisions within the Penal Code. Individuals infringing these complex and catch all laws fall victim to campaigns of harassment and intimidation, arbitrary arrests, trumped-up charges, loss of citizenship, and or the use of travel bans in reprisal.
Torture is used systematically by law enforcement and the Ministry of Interior, to extract incriminating confessions, and as a form of punishment in detention. All attempts at independent investigations are blocked and the perpetrators of torture go unpunished. Those convicted on scant evidence, obtained under duress and torture, face lengthy jail terms in inhumane conditions with and no possibility of redress.
Constitution
Cybercrime Law
Penal Code (AR)
Nationality Law (AR)
Counter-Terrorism Law (AR)
Publications and Publishing Law
Bahrain Human Rights Commission
