Bahrain Mirror: The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor condemned a series of political arrests in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia intended to stifle freedom of expression.

Euro-Med Monitor has documented several arrests and summonses carried out by the Bahraini, Emirati, and Saudi authorities that are apparently linked to individuals expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people in light of the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

"In Bahrain, repressive measures have been taken against pro-Gaza protesters and attendees of popular gatherings that took place in various areas of the country in solidarity with the Palestinian people and demanding an end to the Manama-Tel Aviv normalization deal," it stressed.

It noted that it "has received testimonies documenting the arrest of at least 35 Bahraini citizens since 15 October. Some of them have since been released, while others have had their detentions extended."

Euro-Med Monitor stated that detaining people on the grounds of freedom of expression violates international agreements and charters and constitutes a clear violation of human rights. It called on the Bahraini, Emirati, and Saudi authorities to stop extrajudicial arrest and summons campaigns, release all those detained on freedom of expression charges, stop prosecuting and criminalizing peaceful activity, and put an end to any actions that undermine the right of individuals to exercise their legitimate rights.

Arabic Version