Duraz

The Bahraini village of Duraz (alternatively: Diraz), located West of the capital Manama, has been under blockade since June 2016, in response to an ongoing sit-in staged by a number of protesters. The sit-in was staged following the decision by the Government of Bahrain to revoke the citizenship of popular religious cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim on 20 June 2016.

Security forces have responded to the ongoing protests by:
barring non-residents from entry to the village
restrict the entry of vital resources
restrict internet access
use military force against protester

During a raid on protesters by unknown security forces on 26 January 2017, Mustafa Ahmed Hamdan (18) was shot in the back of the head, while several others were wounded. Mustafa Hamdan is still in critical condition, after a first hospital, the Bahrain International Hospital, refused him treatment. The ongoing harassment against Diraz’ residents relates to their exercise of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of movement.

Duraz: A Community Under Siege

12 July 2016 – On 20 June, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior revoked the nationality of Sheikh Isa Qassim, the spiritual leader of Bahrain’s Shia community,

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