Manama, Bahrain. Editorial Credit: Preju Suresh / Shutterstock.com

Bahrain

Bahrain was once viewed as a promising model for political reform and democratic transition, but it has become one of the Middle East’s most repressive states. Since violently crushing a popular prodemocracy protest movement in 2011, the Sunni-led monarchy has systematically eliminated a broad range of political rights and civil liberties, dismantled the political opposition, and cracked down harshly on persistent dissent in the Shiite population.

Freedom in the World 2023

Freedom in the World — Bahrain Country Report

Bahrain is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide. 

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Freedom on the Net — Bahrain Country Report

Bahrain is rated Not Free in Freedom on the Net, Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.