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Thousands of protesters in the small island Kingdom of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf took to the streets calling for government reform in February and March 2011. The Bahraini government’s response was brutal and systematic: shoot civilian protesters, detain and torture them, and erase all evidence.

On the frontline, treating hundreds of these wounded civilians, doctors had first-hand knowledge of government atrocities. As a result of their efforts to provide unbiased care for wounded protestors, the government initiated systematic and targeted attacks against medical personnel. PHR went to Bahrain to investigate and document these attacks.

Militarization of Bahraini Health System Causes Widespread Fear and Avoidance of Treatment (May 21, 2012)

The ongoing militarization of Bahrain’s public health system has negatively impacted the country’s citizens especially the sick and wounded, says a new PHR report. According to the report, over the past 14 months, the Government of Bahrain has denied a large segment of the population safe access to impartial medical care, resulting in widespread fear among civilians seeking medical treatment.

Bahrain puts doctors on trial (May 11, 2012)

Bahrain’s prosecution of some of its leading medical professionals epitomizes a disturbing sectarian chasm that must be addressed and breached, says PHR's Richard Sollom in a Global Post Op-Ed.

Bahrain puts doctors on trial (May 11, 2012)

PHR Deputy Director Richard Sollom writes commentary published in GlobalPost, urges frivolous charges be dropped against medics in Bahrain

PHR Condemns Decision to Send US Arms to Bahrain (May 11, 2012)

PHR condemns the decision to send US arms to Bahrain. The decision only rewards a government that continues to attack its people.

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Four Imprisoned Bahraini Medical Professionals Should be Released Immediately (April 25, 2012)

Today at his appellate court trial in Bahrain, hospital administrator Younis Ashoori could have been freed from arbitrary detention. The trumped up charges against him could have been overturned, proving to Bahrain’s citizens and the world that the Bahraini government would not dare to uphold a three-year conviction handed down last June by military court. Sadly, this was not the case.

Bahraini Hunger Striker Force Fed? If So, It's Torture (March 31, 2012)

For the past seven weeks a well-known human rights activist in Bahrain has led a hunger strike protesting his imprisonment and torture at the hands of his captors. The forced feeding he has likely been subjected to is torture and must end immediately.

Tear Gas or Lethal Gas? Bahrain’s Death Toll Mounts to 34 (March 16, 2012)

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.

Proving Torture Allegations: Trouble with Bahraini Trial Continues (March 12, 2012)

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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Under the Gun: Ongoing Assaults on Bahrain’s Health System (May 2012)

In February 2011, the Government of Bahrain began targeting health professionals who treated protesters. In April 2012, PHR's Richard Sollom, Deputy Director, and Holly Atkinson, MD, FACP, past President of PHR's Board and volunteer expert, authored a report showing the devastation on Bahrain's health system that have resulted from the Government of Bahrain’s continued assault on doctors, patients, and the healthcare system.

Restriction of Tear Gas Sales to Middle East and North Africa Countries is Positive Step (May 2012)

Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced today an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that restricts the sale of tear gas and riot control items to Middle East and North Africa countries undergoing a transition to democracy. The amendment, which successfully passed the US House of Representatives, requires the Secretary of Defense to certify to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees that the security forces of such governments are not using excessive force to repress peaceful protesters before such items would be provided.

All Charges Against the Medical Professionals in Bahrain Must be Expunged (May 2012)

Following the final day of the trial for 20 Bahraini medical professionals who were convicted of charges including occupying a hospital and attempting to overthrow the government, PHR today called for the court to expunge all politically motivated charges.

Bahrain and the Formula One Race: Drivers Should be Informed (April 2012)

PHR calls on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of the Formula One, to hold a briefing conducted by human rights defenders and those familiar with the human rights situation in Bahrain.

More -General Research »

Featured Expert

Richard Sollom

Richard Sollom, MA, MPH

Richard oversees PHR programs on health, emergency response, armed conflict, asylum, and UN advocacy initiatives. During his time at PHR, he has led health and human rights investigations in Bahrain, Bangkok, Bangladesh, Burma, and Zimbabwe. Read More »