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The second quarter of 2025 reflects a continued pattern of Bahraini citizens engaging in peaceful assemblies, with a noticeable increase, paralleled by a rise in violations associated with state authorities. SALAM DHR observed that fluctuations in the frequency of assemblies were not random but typically linked to regional developments or the emergence of local political and rights-related issues. For instance, solidarity with Palestine, demands connected to the “Khutwa” employment program, and advocacy for detainees accounted for the majority of documented assemblies during this period.
The GoB has pursued a strategy of “soft repression” through repeated summonses and short-term detentions, designed to deter individuals from participating in future assemblies or to minimize turnout. This tactic functions as a form of intimidation, imposing further restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly. It has been accompanied by official security statements warning against “illegal” gatherings and threatening participants with punitive measures. While these practices reduce instances of “hard repression”, such as mass arrests and the violent dispersal of peaceful assemblies, they are designed to deny citizens and residents the right to peaceful assembly, violating their national and international human rights.
Of particular concern, SALAM DHR observed a troubling pattern of violations targeting children, with dozens of minors summoned or detained under vague charges related to their participation in peaceful assemblies. Such practices represent further regression in Bahrain’s compliance with its human rights obligations, especially regarding child protection as enshrined in Bahrain’s Constitution and in international child rights conventions.
Overall, between April and June 2025, the SALAM DHR monitoring and documentation team recorded 131 peaceful assemblies, 78 summonses, and 56 arrests linked to peaceful assemblies. This marks an increase compared to the first quarter of the same year, which saw 85 peaceful assemblies, 62 summonses, and 35 arrests.