A group of independent UN human rights experts on Monday expressed concern [press release] over Bahrain’s persecution of the Shia population. The experts said, “[t]he intensified wave of arrests, detentions, summons, interrogations and criminal charges brought against numerous Shia religious clerics and singers, human rights defenders and peaceful dissidents is having a chilling effect on fundamental human rights.” They noted that Shias are being charged with illegal gathering, inciting hatred against the regime, money laundering and acts of terrorism and said, “[t]hese charges should not be used as a pretext to restrict the freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly and freedom of religion or belief.” The experts called on the Bahrain government to end arbitrary arrests, release those detained and lift travel bans. The experts include Sètondji Adjovi, Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Heiner Bielefeldt, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; and Michel Forst, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

The kingdom of Bahrain is considered an ally of the US but has faced growing international concerns about its human rights practices. Last month the Bahrain High Civil Court ordered al-Wefaq, the main Shiite opposition group in the country, to be dissolved [JURIST report]. In June a UN human rights adviser called on Bahrain to ensure human rights are respected [JURIST report] following protests triggered by the decision to strip Sheikh Issa Qassem, a prominent Shia religious leader, of his nationality.