In the News

Tear Gas or Lethal Gas? Bahrain’s Death Toll Mounts to 34

PHR has compiled a list of 34 reported tear-gas-related deaths in Bahrain since the uprising began a year ago. Based on media and other accounts compiled for the period March 2011 through February, 2012, this report highlights the Government of Bahrain's oppressive use of tear gas.

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Proving Torture Allegations: Trouble with Bahraini Trial Continues

Twenty medical professionals in Bahrain continue to fight for vindication from politically motivated charges against them. Last Thursday, Bahraini courts denied these medical personnel yet another form of justice.

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Current Work

Smoke and Mirrors in the Gulf Kingdom of Bahrain

PHR's Richard Sollom protests new regulations by the Government of Bahrain limiting the length of time human rights organizations are allowed in the country to five working days.

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Bahraini Government’s Use of Tear Gas Claims Several Lives

Over the last month, the Bahraini police have been using tear gas almost every night against protesters in residential areas. Specifically, the police have been targeting the Shi’a neighborhoods of Iker, Sitra, Nuwadrat, and Ma’ameer. While there are international guidelines for the proper use of tear gas, victims of such attacks describe the police using tear gas inappropriately – including firing into homes and other closed spaces. Such inappropriate use can have disastrous consequences. Since the start of the unrest in February 2011, at least 13 civilians have died from exposure to the tear gas, according to Bahraini civil society groups. They note that those who die from tear gas inhalation are usually people who are already vulnerable due to old age or disease, which make the gas’s effects more deadly.

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Bogus Charges Against Bahraini Human Rights Activist Must Be Dropped

Last week, Bahraini authorities wrongfully detained human rights activist Zainab al-Khawaja, while she engaged in nonviolent, peaceful protest against Bahraini government policies last week. As this video shows, Zainab was dragged away by law enforcement officers who, according to Amnesty International allegedly beat her outside the view of cameras before taking her into custody against her will.

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