Bahrain revokes the nationality of a further 115 this month
We are less than half way through 2018, but this year has already witnessed the highest number of individuals who have had their nationality withdrawn from them in Bahrain. It is difficult to track the exact numbers since, unfortunately, new cases are emerging all the time. However, towards the end of May, 226 people had been a victim of this measure, bringing the average to 45 nationality deprivations a month during 2018 - or more than one person a day. These latest cases have brought the total number of people affected to 732 since 2012. This echoes a growing trend in Bahrain, the Gulf, and more globally, of states withdrawing the nationality of individuals they perceive - or accuse of - being a threat to national security.
Bahraini authorities have accused these individuals of militancy, in a series of mass trials, whilst rights activists say the majority are peaceful opposition members. Alongside having their nationality revoked, they also face other criminal punishments, 53 for were convicted of terrorism and faced life sentences. The vast majority of those stripped of citizenship do not possess any other nationality and have been left stateless.