Story perspectives

Gulf States Detain, Strip Citizenship from Dozens of Shiites

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Gulf governments have detained and stripped citizenship from dozens of Shiite men, raising sectarian discrimination concerns.
Authorities in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain arrested six, charged 27 and revoked citizenship for dozens of Shiites, alleging security threats.
Human rights activists say the actions reflect nationalist rhetoric that marginalizes Shiites, while closed-door trials under counter-terrorism laws limit transparency.
Bahraini academic Ala’a Shehabi warned the exclusionary nationalism subjugates long-complaining citizens.

1 of 1

Story summary

Gulf governments have detained and stripped citizenship from dozens of Shiite men, raising sectarian discrimination concerns.
Authorities in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain arrested six, charged 27 and revoked citizenship for dozens of Shiites, alleging security threats.
Human rights activists say the actions reflect nationalist rhetoric that marginalizes Shiites, while closed-door trials under counter-terrorism laws limit transparency.
Bahraini academic Ala’a Shehabi warned the exclusionary nationalism subjugates long-complaining citizens.