Bahrain king pardons 457 prisoners: What we know
Bahrain’s human rights record has been widely criticized, despite recent pardons, and the latest move follows efforts to repair relations with Iran.
Bahrain pardoned 457 prisoners on Wednesday evening, a move that a prominent rights group said is positive but does not go far enough as some key activists are not expected to be included.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a royal decree pardoning 457 inmates on the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. The official Bahrain News Agency reported that the decision shows the ruler’s “dedication to fostering social cohesion and upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.”
“It also aims to balance legal accountability with the humanitarian and social circumstances of the inmates, providing them with an opportunity to reintegrate into society,” reported the agency.
Who was pardoned? The report did not indicate who specifically had been pardoned. The London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy said in a post on X that “political prisoners” are expected to be among those pardoned.
