Bahrain revokes citizenship from 69 individuals suspected of supporting Iran

Bahrain Revokes Citizenship from 69 Individuals Accused of Supporting Iranian Attacks

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced on Monday that it had revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals, citing alleged support for Iranian attacks on the country. The move was reportedly issued by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

According to the ministry’s directive, all 69 individuals were deemed to be of non-Bahraini origin. Bahraini law allows for the revocation of citizenship in cases where an individual is deemed to have caused harm to the country or shown disloyalty.

The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy described the move as “dangerous” and a clear violation of international law. However, details about the individuals involved remain unclear, including whether they had been publicly identified, arrested, or held another nationality.

Tensions between Iran and Bahrain escalated following Tehran’s strikes on facilities in Bahrain, which were part of a broader conflict launched by Israel and the United States against Iran. The attacks reportedly caused significant damage to US military sites across the region, including a Navy base in Bahrain.

The Bahraini government has long accused Iran of fomenting unrest against it, particularly among the Shia population. Mass protests broke out during the Arab Spring in 2011, and the government has maintained that Iran was behind these demonstrations.

A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan brought an end to Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf neighbours on April 9. Negotiations for a permanent resolution are ongoing.

Source: Al Jazeera