Bahrain: Activists plan protest at Jawadain Mosque in Sanabis, Nov. 16

Event

Opposition activists have called for a protest following evening prayers outside Jawadain Mosque in Sanabis, on the western outskirts of Manama Nov. 16. The action has been called to protest an Israeli delegation attending the Jewellery Arabia Exhibition at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). Additional, unannounced protests may materialize at other locations and times, particularly within predominantly Shi'a towns on the outskirts of Manama.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence around the protest site and the BIEC. Localized traffic disruptions are likely near both sites. Widespread violence is not likely, but cannot be discounted entirely as police have resorted to violence to suppress protests in the past.

Context

Bahraini and Israeli authorities agreed to establish official diplomatic ties and to normalize relations in late 2020. While the government may be broadly supportive of normalizing relations with Israel, elements of the Bahraini populace remain opposed to the move. Opposition cuts across sectarian divides, posing a threat to the Sunni-minority monarchy, which has faced sustained Shi'a-led unrest since 2011. Protests in opposition to the deal have been a frequent occurrence since the Bahraini government normalized relations. Official government and commercial Israeli delegations to Bahrain often inflame tensions and lead to additional unrest in predominantly Shi'a areas.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to the potential for violence; if a related gathering materializes near you, leave the area immediately. Do not take photographs. Allow extra time if driving near the affected area; consider planning alternative routes around the demonstration site.