Bahrain has stripped 69 individuals of their citizenship for allegedly sympathizing with Iran during the ongoing Middle East war. The Bahraini Interior Ministry announced the revocation on social media early Tuesday.
The government claims it revoked nationality based on laws that allow such actions under national security grounds. The Bahraini Citizenship Act of 1963 grants authorities broad powers to revoke citizenship, especially during periods of political tension.
Between 2012 and 2019, Bahrain revoked citizenship from at least 990 nationals, often targeting Shia Muslims and those with Iranian heritage. Human rights groups criticize these actions as politically motivated punishment.
The Bahraini Interior Ministry stated, “The Bahraini nationality has been revoked from those individuals for glorifying or sympathizing with hostile Iranian acts, or engaging in contacts with external parties.” This announcement adds to fears of increasing repression in the kingdom.
As of April 10, 2026, at least 286 people have been detained since the beginning of the war. Revocations typically spike during heightened political unrest or regional conflicts.
Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei from the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy remarked, “Bahrain is using the regional conflict as a pretext to both eliminate dissent and to define who is considered Bahraini.” This statement reflects widespread concerns regarding human rights violations in Bahrain.
The consequences of losing citizenship include becoming stateless and losing access to public services, which can severely impact affected individuals. Many learn about their citizenship loss through governmental announcements rather than direct communication.
In recent years, authorities have increasingly used legal frameworks to justify punitive measures against dissenters. Critics argue that these laws serve merely as tools for the ruling family to suppress opposition.
The situation remains fluid as international observers monitor Bahrain’s approach to dissent amid ongoing regional tensions. The Bahraini government continues to assert its right to maintain national security through these controversial measures.