The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) expresses deep concern over the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and repression of peaceful demonstrations across Bahrain. Over the past six months, the country has witnessed a troubling escalation in violations of fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and protection from arbitrary detention—particularly targeting children and youth.
From January to June 2025, BCHR documented:
- A total of 132 arrests, including 35 children, many under the age of 16.
- 145 peaceful protests held across various towns and villages.
- 5 instances of violent suppression by Bahraini security forces using excessive force, including tear gas and mass arrests.
“Freedom in Bahrain is not a slogan—it’s a demand echoing from behind prison walls, in the voices of children torn from their homes, and in every protest calling for justice. The world cannot afford to look away.”
— Nedal Al-Salman, Vice President of FIDH & Director of BCHR
Monthly Breakdown of Violations:
- January 2025:
Authorities arrested 22 people, 3 of them children aged 15, through summons, street apprehensions, or house raids. Despite the peaceful nature of at least 6 protests, authorities maintained a heavy security presence and closely monitored participants. - February 2025:
A sharp increase in violations occurred with 33 arrests, including 12 children, among them two aged just 13. 46 peaceful marches took place, one of which was violently dispersed by riot police. - March 2025:
10 individuals were arrested, including 3 minors, following 28 peaceful demonstrations. Authorities suppressed one of the marches, using tear gas and arbitrary detentions. - April 2025:
26 arrests were documented, including 5 children, in connection with 23 peaceful gatherings calling for the release of prisoners of conscience. While no protest was violently dispersed this month, intimidation and surveillance were reported widely. - May 2025:
27 arrests, including 5 minors, were recorded during a month that saw 27 demonstrations. Two protests were forcefully broken up by police units, with injuries reported among the youth. - June 2025:
At least 14 people, including 7 children under 16, were detained. Out of 15 peaceful marches, many were surrounded by security checkpoints, with reports of harassment and warnings issued to organizers.
Targeting Children and Criminalizing Dissent
BCHR is particularly alarmed by the ongoing criminalization of children engaged in or present near peaceful protests. Arrests have been carried out without warrants, legal representation, or proper parental notification. In some cases, children were reportedly held for hours or days without access to legal counsel or family visits—violating Bahrain’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which it is a state party.
These arrests are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader strategy aimed at silencing calls for justice—especially demands for the release of political prisoners, many of whom have been detained for over a decade following unfair trials.
Suppression of Peaceful Assembly
Despite the peaceful nature of most demonstrations, security forces routinely harass, intimidate, or detain participants. The use of disproportionate force, threats of prosecution, and post-protest reprisals have created a climate of fear, effectively shrinking civic space in Bahrain. Villages such as Sitra, Al-Daih, Sanabis, and Duraz remain under heavy surveillance during Ashoora commemorations, national holidays, and organized marches.
International Obligations Ignored
Bahrain’s actions are in direct violation of its international obligations, including:
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression;
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates the protection of minors from arbitrary arrest and inhumane treatment.
Despite repeated recommendations by UN treaty bodies and through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, Bahrain continues to ignore calls for reform and accountability.
BCHR’s Recommendations:
The Bahrain Center for Human Rights urges the Bahraini authorities to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release all individuals—especially minors—detained for peaceful protest or expression;
- End the practice of arbitrary detention and house raids without legal justification;
- Uphold and respect the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in international human rights law;
- Cease all reprisals against those participating in or organizing peaceful protests;
- Allow international monitors and UN mechanisms access to detention facilities to independently assess conditions and treatment of detainees.
A Call for International Action
BCHR calls on the United Nations, European Union, and international human rights organizations to increase pressure on Bahrain to halt its repressive practices. Continued silence and inaction will only embolden further violations. Diplomatic and economic partners of Bahrain must not remain complicit in the face of ongoing state-led repression.
The Bahraini people’s call for freedom, justice, and accountability must be heard—not silenced through arrests and fear. The targeting of children is a red line that should provoke international outrage and urgent intervention.