09 Jun 2021 | 12:04 PM UTC
Bahrain: Protests possible nationwide through late June 13, following the death of a Shi'a prisoner from COVID-19
Anti-government protests are possible in Bahrain through late June 13, following the death of a prisoner from COVID-19. Avoid protests.
Event
Anti-government protests are possible in Bahrain through June 13 following the recent death of a Shi'a prisoner from COVID-19. Protests over prisoner rights have spiked in recent months, partly due to unconfirmed reports of a COVID-19 outbreak within Bahraini prisons. If protests do occur, they will likely take place in predominantly Shi'a areas outside of central Manama, such as Abu Saiba, Al-Dair, Al-Markh, Bani Jamra, Buri, Diraz, Karbabad, Karranah, Ma'ameer, Malkiya, Saar, Shakhura, and Sitra.
A heightened security presence should be anticipated in predominantly Shi'a locations if protests materialize. Localized traffic disruptions are possible near any protest site. Demonstrators frequently burn tires, block roads, and clash with security forces. Police often forcibly disperse protesters; officers could use tear gas, stun grenades, and possibly live ammunition to break up demonstrations.
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.
Advice
Avoid all protests; if a protest forms near you, leave the area immediately. Do not take photographs. Consider planning alternative routes around potential demonstration sites. Adhere to the advice of security forces.
