Bahrain: Opposition groups to protest nationwide over alleged mistreatment of prisoners April 30

Event

Opposition activists have called for demonstrations April 30. The action is intended to highlight the alleged mistreatment of prisoners within Bahrain. Members of the opposition have staged protests over the alleged mistreatment of prisoners in Abu Saiba, Diraz, Karranah, and Sanabis in recent weeks. Additional demonstrations are likely to materialize in Shi'a towns outside of central Manama, such as Al-Dair, Al-Markh, Buri, Diraz, Karbabad, Ma'ameer, Malkiya, Shakhura, and Sitra.

Police often restrict access to demonstrations, and localized traffic disruptions are possible near rallies, particularly in Shi'a enclaves. During past protests, demonstrators have burned tires, blocked roads, and clashed with security personnel. Police often forcibly disperse protesters; officers could use tear gas, stun grenades, and possibly live ammunition to break up demonstrations. Radicalized elements of the opposition movement have previously targeted police and security checkpoints with Molotov cocktails or crude explosive devices.

Context

Anti-government protests have been a persistent issue since the 2011 uprising, which stemmed from the longstanding perception among members of the Shi'a majority that they are politically and economically marginalized. Several human rights organizations routinely accuse the Bahraini government of mistreating political prisoners. Protests over prisoner rights have spiked in recent months, partly due to unconfirmed reports of a COVID-19 outbreak within Bahraini prisons.

Advice

Avoid all protests due to the potential for violence. If a protest forms near you, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure location. Do not take photographs of demonstrators or security forces. Allow extra time if driving near the affected areas; consider planning alternative routes around potential demonstration sites. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.