Story perspectives

Bahrain King Strips Citizenship From 69 Shiites, Rights Groups Protest

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordered citizenship revocation for 69 Ajam community members, many Shiite, under Article 10/3.
Human-rights groups called the decree a blatant abuse of power and a violation of international law, stripping families, including children and grandchildren, of housing, healthcare and employment benefits.
The death of Shiite detainee Mohammed Abdul Mohsen al-Mousawi in custody, with evidence of torture, prompted a single charge by the Special Investigation Unit.

History

Historical Context

After gaining independence in 1971, Bahrain applied the 1963 Nationality Law to define citizenship, while the 1974 State Security Law let the government detain opponents without trial. The law stayed until King Hamad abolished it in 2001, but since 2011 the state has revoked citizenship of roughly 1,000 activists, prompting renewed international criticism.

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Story summary

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordered citizenship revocation for 69 Ajam community members, many Shiite, under Article 10/3.
Human-rights groups called the decree a blatant abuse of power and a violation of international law, stripping families, including children and grandchildren, of housing, healthcare and employment benefits.
The death of Shiite detainee Mohammed Abdul Mohsen al-Mousawi in custody, with evidence of torture, prompted a single charge by the Special Investigation Unit.

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