The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) expresses deep concern over the ongoing peaceful sit-in by a group of former political prisoners in front of Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing, now entering its second month. These individuals, released under royal pardon or through alternative sentencing, are being denied access to public housing rights—a blatant continuation of punishment even after release.
These individuals, many of whom were imprisoned on politically motivated charges, now face a new form of state retaliation: exclusion from basic rights that are afforded to other citizens. Their continued marginalization constitutes a clear violation of constitutional rights and a deliberate obstruction of reintegration into society.
Documented Violations Include:
- The Ministry of Housing refuses to engage seriously with their cases.
- Manipulation of application dates to reduce their housing priority.
- Cancellation of some housing applications and denial of retroactive housing allowances, intensifying their economic hardship.
Contradictions with the Bahraini Constitution
These practices violate key articles of Bahrain’s own constitution:
- Article 16: Guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens.
- Article 18: States that all people are equal before the law and entitled to equal rights without discrimination.
- Article 25: Prohibits discrimination among citizens in rights and responsibilities.
Impact on Society and Reintegration
- Threatens the social and psychological stability of released individuals and their families.
- Hinders efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former detainees into society.
- Imposes unjust economic and social sanctions, reinforcing stigma and exclusion.
A Politically Motivated Policy?
BCHR warns that this housing exclusion may represent a broader strategy of political retribution, especially given:
- Reports that newly naturalized individuals are being prioritized over long-time Bahraini citizens.
- Evidence of demographic manipulation aimed at reshaping Bahrain’s societal balance.
Nedal Al-Salman – Director of BCHR:
“To leave prison only to find yourself without a home or the right to housing is another face of political punishment. This isn’t accidental—it’s a deliberate policy to strip us of belonging. Housing is not a favor—it’s a right.”
BCHR Urges the Bahraini Government To:
- Launch an independent investigation into discriminatory practices in the housing system.
- Ensure that released prisoners regain full access to housing rights as equal citizens.
- Legally challenge any unjust decisions issued by the Ministry of Housing.
- Bring the issue before Parliament and hold the responsible authorities accountable for these punitive measures.
The continued denial of housing to former political prisoners is a direct continuation of repression by other means. Justice does not end at the prison gate. Housing is a right—not a tool of political control.