A UN human rights adviser called [UN News Centre report] on Bahrain Wednesday to ensure human rights are respected following protests triggered by the decision to strip Sheikh Issa Qassem, a prominent Shia religious leader, of his nationality. The protesters were also urged to exercise their rights peacefully and avoid violence. UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng [official website], warned the government that repression will not eliminate grievances, only increase them. He has also called on all leaders to step up and strive to decrease tension in the area.

The kingdom of Bahrain is considered an ally of the US but has faced growing international concerns about its human rights practices. Bahraini authorities arrested [JURIST report] four US journalists covering the five-year anniversary of the nation’s 2011 uprising and formally charged them in February. Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] reported [text] in February that nearly five years after Bahrain’s Day of Rage [BBC report] protests sparked [JURIST report] international concern over Bahraini government accountability in human rights, the hope for reform has dwindled.