In a bold move, Bahrain’s government has stripped 69 individuals of their citizenship, accusing them of sympathizing with Iran during the ongoing Middle East war. This decision, announced by the Bahraini Interior Ministry via social media, marks a significant escalation in the crackdown on political dissent.
The Interior Ministry stated that these individuals were targeted for “glorifying or sympathizing with hostile Iranian acts.” The Bahraini government claims this action is a legal measure under the Bahraini Citizenship Act, which allows for such revocations on national security grounds.
Since 2012, Bahrain has revoked citizenship from at least 990 nationals, often during periods of heightened political tension. The latest wave of revocations comes as the region grapples with conflicts that have intensified existing sectarian divides.
The Bahraini Citizenship Act of 1963 grants broad powers to revoke nationality, and amendments made in 2014 expanded these powers to include actions deemed damaging to the kingdom’s interests. Critics argue that this law serves as a tool for the ruling family to suppress dissent rather than a genuine national security measure.
Key statistics:
- Bahrain has revoked citizenship from at least 990 nationals between 2012 and 2019.
- As of April 10, 2026, at least 286 people have been detained since the beginning of the war.
- The latest revocation affects 69 individuals accused of ties to Iran.
Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei from the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (Bird) expressed concern over these developments. He stated, “Bahrain is using the regional conflict as a pretext to both eliminate dissent and to define who is considered Bahraini.” This perspective underscores fears that such actions are politically motivated rather than based on legitimate security concerns.
The consequences for those stripped of their citizenship are severe—many become stateless and lose access to essential public services. Individuals often find out about their status through government announcements or social media posts, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
As tensions rise in the region, Bahrain’s approach raises critical questions about human rights violations and political repression. The international community watches closely as more details emerge regarding these citizenship revocations and their implications for civil liberties in Bahrain.
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