Based on official announcements from Bahrain’s Interior Ministry, the kingdom has revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals, including family members, for expressing support for Iran during the recent war.

1 month ago recoveryemailforu@gmail.com

The decision, issued under royal directives, targets those accused of violating the “duty of loyalty” to the kingdom.

The Charges: Individuals were stripped of their citizenship for “glorifying or sympathising with the hostile Iranian acts” or “engaging in contacts with external parties”.
Legal Basis: The move relies on Article 10/3 of the Bahraini Nationality Law, which allows revocation for “causing harm to the interests of the Kingdom” or acting against the duty of loyalty.
Status of Those Affected: Authorities stated all 69 individuals are “of non-Bahraini origin”. Rights groups have expressed alarm, noting it is unclear if those affected have been arrested or hold other nationalities.

The revocations come as Gulf states remain on high alert following the outbreak of the war between the U.S.-Israeli alliance and Iran on February 28.

Iranian Retaliation: Following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting US assets in Gulf states, including a naval base in Bahrain.
Wider Crackdown: This marks the first mass revocation of citizenship in Bahrain since 2019, part of a broader effort to counter alleged Iranian influence and espionage networks in the region.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and the Iranian government.

Iran’s Condemnation: Tehran condemned the action as “a gross violation of human rights” and accused Bahrain of deflecting attention from its “direct responsibility” for supporting the U.S.-Israeli campaign.
Rights Groups: The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) described the decision as “the beginning of a dangerous era of repression” imposed “without legal safeguards or any right of appeal”.