Bahrain's Interior Ministry has revoked citizenship from 69 individuals, including family members, accusing them of 'glorifying or sympathising with hostile Iranian acts' or 'engaging in contacts with external parties' during the ongoing Middle East war. Critics label the move 'collective punishment' as it targets people of non-Bahraini origin under the Bahraini Nationality Law, following royal directives from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Rights Groups Condemn 'Politically Motivated' Action
The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (Bird) described the decision as 'politically motivated punishments dressed up as national security measures'. Bird warned that the revocations leave Shia Muslims with Iranian heritage at risk of statelessness, loss of rights, and forced deportation. Bird's director, Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei, stated that many on the list are being 'targeted only for their identities', and such actions disproportionately affect Shia Muslims.
Government Defends Sovereign Measure
Bahrain's National Communication Centre defended the action as a 'sovereign legal measure' against those threatening national security, denying discrimination and asserting that individuals supported 'Iranian illegal and hostile acts'. The government insists the revocations are not based on ethnicity or religion but on evidence of illegal activities.
Precedent for Future Revocations
Rights groups warn that this decision sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to further citizenship stripping of Shia Muslims and other minorities. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Bahrain aligning closely with Saudi Arabia and the UAE against Iran. Critics argue that such measures undermine the rule of law and human rights, leaving affected individuals stateless and vulnerable.
