The following is based on a communication written by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and other UN experts to the Government of Bahrain on 17 February 2025. The communication remained confidential for 60 days before being made public, giving the Government time to reply. The Government replied on 3 April 2025.
Since the communication was sent, there has been no change in Naji Fateel’s situation. According to information received by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Fateel reportedly had witnesses to prove that he was indeed summoned to the Budaiya Police Station, despite the Government’s claim to the contrary in its reply to the communication.
This is a shorter version of the original communication.
BACKGROUND
Topic: the threats received by Naji Fateel, a human rights defender and blogger, following his release on pardon on 8 April 2024, as well as obstacles to the enjoyment of his economic and social rights.
Mr. Naji Fateel is a human rights defender and prominent blogger from Bahrain. Prior to his incarceration, he participated in marches during which he highlighted the importance of documenting human rights violations, and urged protesters to do so. Since his release, Mr. Fateel has continued his peaceful human rights defence, providing support to families of detained activists. He has campaigned briefly on social media for the release of other detained human rights defenders, and for housing rights for pardoned prisoners.
Mr. Fateel has been the subject of at least five previous communications sent by mandate holders to the Bahraini Government, the most recent being BHR 3/2023. Earlier communications include BHR 2/2021; BHR 10/2014; BHR 7/2013; BHR 2/2013.
ALLEGATIONS
Regarding his Pardon:
On 8 April 2024, Mr. Fateel was released under a comprehensive royal pardon, which negated the remainder of his sentence. The pardon was issued by the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin-Issa Al-Khalifa, on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of his ascension to the throne, as well as Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Mr. Fateel’s pardon, as well as that of over 1,500 detainees, was followed by an announcement by the Government of Bahrain of a reintegration programme to support pardoned individuals by providing them with unemployment benefit for job seekers, as well as job opportunities.
Intimidation regarding his activities as a human rights defender:
In August 2024, Mr. Fateel was summoned to the Budaiya Police station and was told that police had information that he was organising anti-government protests, but that he would not be referred for prosecution this time. Mr. Fateel denied the accusations and was allowed to leave when the questioning concluded.
He has since then practised self-censorship and mainly focused his activities on the Gaza war and Palestinian rights.
On 2 September 2024, Mr. Fateel was summoned by the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) for a similar questioning. He was advised to look after his family and was asked about his financial situation. He was not charged and was allowed to leave.
Enjoyment of social and economic rights:
On 9 June 2024, Mr. Fateel resumed his old job at a poultry company, having secured a temporary contract, using a “no objection” certificate necessary to apply for jobs and avail of ministry of labour services. The certificate was provided by the CID to pardoned prisoners after their release.
On 8 September 2024, Mr. Fateel’s job at the poultry company became permanent.
On 3 October 2024, Mr. Fateel was placed on a three-day suspension from his job, following accusations of disrupting the workflow and disobeying direct orders from his manager. He was able to disprove the accusations.
On 6 October 2024, Mr. Fateel was dismissed from his job, based on the same accusations. Mr. Fateel alleged that the company later admitted the charges were arbitrary but was told that he would not be reinstated. He was given a minimal settlement that was significantly less than that provided by law. Mr. Fateel believes his dismissal was linked to his human rights defence work after his release from prison.
Since his release, Mr. Fateel has applied several times for a resumption of his housing allowance, which had been cut off since his detention in 2013. He has been repeatedly told by the Ministry of Housing that his application is under review. Mr. Fateel believes the inaction on his housing allowance right is linked to his human rights defence work after his release from prison.
CONCERNS
In the communication, we express concern at the reported police questioning of the human rights defender, Naji Fateel, who was released by royal pardon in April 2024. We are also concerned that despite plans by the Bahraini Government for the reintegration of pardoned prisoners, Mr. Fateel has not been provided with the necessary support. We are concerned that these measures may have been taken in retaliation for his human rights work.
If confirmed, the facts alleged would appear to contravene, among other norms, with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bahrain acceded on 20 September 2006, in particular article 19, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, article 21, which guarantees the right of peaceful assembly, and article 22, which guarantees the right of association.
They would also appear to contravene the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which Bahrain acceded to on 27 September 2007, in particular article 11, which calls on States to recognize the right to an adequate standard of living, including housing and the right to work.
They also would appear to fall short of Bahrain’s Constitution which guarantees in article 13(a) that work is a right provided of every citizen, and in 13(b) that the State shall provide job opportunities with fair conditions to its citizens. Article 9(f) of the Constitution guarantees that the State shall undertake to provide housing for limited income citizens.
