The Bahraini Interior Ministry disclosed via social media that these individuals lost their nationality for glorifying or sympathizing with hostile Iranian acts. This decision aligns with a broader trend; since 2012, the government has stripped citizenship from at least 990 nationals, particularly during periods of heightened political tension or regional conflict.

The Bahraini Citizenship Act of 1963 provides the government with extensive powers to revoke citizenship on national security grounds, a legal framework that was amended in 2014 to include revocation for actions deemed damaging to the kingdom’s interests. Human rights advocates argue that these measures are politically motivated and serve as punitive actions against dissenters.

According to sources, individuals often learn about their revoked citizenship through government announcements or social media posts. The consequences of such revocations can be severe, leading to statelessness and loss of access to public services.

Key facts:

• Bahrain stripped citizenship from 69 individuals for alleged ties to Iran.
• At least 990 nationals had their citizenship revoked between 2012 and 2019.
• As of April 10, 2026, at least 286 people have been detained since the onset of the war.

Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei, a prominent human rights advocate, remarked that Bahrain is utilizing the regional conflict as a pretext to eliminate dissent and redefine what it means to be Bahraini. He further noted that in repressive states, laws often serve the interests of those in power rather than uphold justice.

The Bahraini government maintains that its actions are legally justified under national security considerations; however, critics contend that this rationale masks broader human rights violations and an ongoing effort to suppress political opposition.

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