Demonstrations in Bahrain - the revolution is not dead

Three years after Bahrain’s revolution kicked off (February 14th, 2011) thousands responded to the calls of activists.

Over the past three years an estimated 160 civilians were killed by the security forces, hundreds have been unlawfully arrested and countless crimes were committed against the people of Bahrain.

Bahrain demonstrators were all keen to remind the world of their martyrs.

Demonstrators denounced Al Khalifa’ systematic repression campaign against activists and politicians of the opposition, recalling the persecution of Sheikh Ali Salman. 

Many came to denounce Al KHalifa unjust naturalization laws as they say it will enable the regime to unlawfully strip citizens from their Bahraini nationality on account of their faith or political affiliations.

On July 7th, King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa issued and ratified and issued Law 21 for 2014, amending some provisions of the Bahrain Citizenship Law of 1963.

Articles 8 of the law stipulates that the Bahraini citizenship may be revoked, upon request from the Interior Minister and approval of the cabinet, from any naturalised person who: 
(a) has acquired it by deception or based on false statements or has hidden substantial information.

(b) Found guilty in a crime connected with honour and integrity within ten years after receiving it. 

(c) has restored their original citizenship without prior permission from the Interior Ministry.

(d) has not lived continuously in the kingdom for five consecutive years, without permission from the Interior Minister or a valid excuse.

Bahrainis who hold a citizenship of any of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries shall be exempted from clauses (c) and (d).

The Bahraini nationality will be withdrawn from the person only in clauses (b), (c) and (d).
 
According to Article 9, a Bahraini may have his/her citizenship revoked in the following two cases: 
(a) If /she acquires a foreign citizenship voluntarily without prior authorisation of the Minister of Interior.

Any Bahraini who has acquired a foreign citizenship in this way shall adjust their situation within six months by giving it up or requesting the Interior Minister to keep it. Anyone whose request to keep a foreign citizenship was rejected by the Interior Minister and still maintains it will lose the Bahraini citizenship automatically.

Bahrainis who hold the citizenship of a GCC country will not be affected by the provisions of this clause.
 
(b) If s/he gives up his/her Bahraini citizenship and a decree approving that was issued based on the request of the Minister of Interior.

Article 10 stipulates that the Bahraini citizenship may be withdrawn upon request of the Interior Minister and approval of the cabinet from any Bahraini citizen who:
(a) enters in military service of a foreign country and keeps on service despite an order issued by the Government of Bahrain to leave such service.

(b) helps or engages in service of an hostile country.

(c) causes harm to the interests of the kingdom.

According to Articles11, the King may issue an order to restore the citizenship of Bahrain to any person who has lost citizenship.

The Minister of Interior shall issue, after the approval of the cabinet, an edict on the rules an measures to implement the provisions of Articles 9, 9 and 10.

A fine of not less than BD 3,000 and not exceeding BD10,000 shall be penalty of any Bahraini who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of a GCC country without prior permission from the Interior Minister.

The same penalty shall be inflicted on those who fail to rectify their situation within the deadline stipulated by Clause (a) of Article 9.
 
In both cases, the person shall not lose the Bahraini citizenship.