General updates

The National Institution for Human Rights issued an extensive report on the Iranian attacks against Bahrain from February 2026 to the present. The report, entitled “Documentation of Violations Resulting from the Iranian Aggression against the Kingdom of Bahrain and Their Impact on the Enjoyment of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” includes a number of recommendations addressing the situation. The recommendations focus on the Government's use of United Nations mechanisms, including engaging with Special Rapporteurs and international organizations, as well as examining legal avenues to hold Iran accountable and seek compensation for the damage inflicted on Bahrain.

Bahrain submitted its report on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals to the High-Level Political Forum held at United Nations Headquarters in July 2026. A review of the report indicates that it is largely descriptive and does not reflect the situation on the ground. Independent civil society organizations were also not invited to participate in the preparation of the report, nor were they given an opportunity to attend, review, or provide comments on it. The exclusion of civil society organizations sends a negative message and does not serve the interests of the State. It is also inconsistent with United Nations requirements and established standards for the preparation of such reports. The report does not mention any consultations or meetings between the relevant ministry, the Ministry of Sustainable Development, and civil society organizations.

Royal Decree No. (13) of 2026 was issued, extending the current sixth legislative term of the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives for a fifth session for a period of one year, beginning on 12 December 2026. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister also issued a decision extending the term of the municipal councils for a period of six months from the date on which their current term expires. The municipal councils will continue to perform their functions until the formation of the new municipal councils is completed.

Freedom of association

Further restrictions on civil society organizations are being introduced through new measures currently under discussion by the Ministry, without civil society organizations being informed or consulted about what the Ministry intends to implement. Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper published the main features of the draft procedural guide for the civil society sector. These new regulations aim to regulate funding and external affiliations and to strengthen governance and transparency. Among the measures reportedly under consideration is the requirement to obtain approval from the Ministry and the relevant authorities before organizing any event (such as seminars, workshops, etc.). Organizations would also be required to obtain prior approval from the Ministry, subject to restrictive conditions, if they wish to join any coalition, association, or network outside Bahrain. In addition, restrictions on obtaining external funding continue, while even domestic funding remains subject to extensive conditions and burdensome procedures.

Freedom of expression

Following the latest escalation of the war in the Gulf region, the Ministry of Interior decided to prohibit travel to Iraq and Iran until further notice. As some citizens had already made travel arrangements to these two countries, some individuals who violated these instructions have so far been subjected to temporary measures. Later, before the end of July and ahead of the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein, the Ministry of Interior allowed citizens over the age of 50 to travel, subject to a number of conditions stipulated in the decision authorizing travel. These conditions included that travel must be arranged through a licensed travel agency, that travellers must leave Iraq no later than 15 August, and that travel must take place exclusively through Bahrain International Airport. Travel agencies were also required to comply with a number of requirements, which led some travel agencies to refrain from organizing trips to Iraq.

On 5 July 2026, The Public Prosecutor, Head of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution, stated that the High Criminal Court had heard a case brought against a number of defendants accused of joining a terrorist group whose purpose was to call for the suspension of the Constitution and laws, prevent state institutions and authorities from carrying out their functions, and undermine national unity. The group allegedly sought to change the existing constitutional system in the country and exclude its authorities by promoting and consolidating the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih, which calls for complete allegiance to Iran's Supreme Leader and submission to its political control. According to the prosecution, this was carried out through exercising control over places of worship, ma'tams and Husseiniyas, exploiting them to promote this ideology, and inciting opposition to the ruling system.

In another case, on 14 July, the Head of the Terrorist Crimes Prosecution stated that, during hearings held in July, the High Criminal Court issued judgments in two separate cases concerning espionage on behalf of a hostile foreign state. Three defendants were accused of spying for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and individuals working on its behalf, with the aim of assisting it in hostile and terrorist activities against the Kingdom of Bahrain and harming its interests. The court sentenced all three defendants to life imprisonment and ordered the confiscation of the seized items.

On 15 July 2026, the court decided to adjourn the trial of a number of prominent religious scholars and community figures to 22 July 2026. The defendants are being tried on charges of a religious or ideological nature, in addition to allegations concerning their links to the Islamic Republic of Iran. All of the defendants had previously been arrested and were reportedly subjected to ill-treatment and torture, as well as public defamation through state television and social media platforms.

Freedom of peaceful assembly

An event organized by the Bahraini Society for Resistance to Normalization with the Zionist Entity, scheduled for 25 July 2026, was cancelled without explanation. The Society announced it following a request from the Ministry of Social Development, the event had been postponed. In practice, however, this amounted to the cancellation of the event, which was scheduled to include a seminar on the crimes of genocide committed by the Zionist entity in the occupied territories and the deliberate targeting of children.