Human rights advocates are expressing outrage over the honorary knighthood awarded to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. The prestigious recognition has sparked a backlash from activists who have labeled it a profound betrayal of human rights principles, given the ongoing allegations of severe abuses in Bahrain.
In a letter addressed to Buckingham Palace, three Bahraini activists currently in exile urged King Charles to revoke the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. They emphasized troubling issues such as “arbitrary imprisonment, brutal torture, unfair trials, and arbitrary executions of innocent individuals,” which they argue contradict the values represented by such awards.
According to a government spokesperson from Bahrain, these allegations are unfounded and disregard the significant advancements the nation has made in promoting individual rights and upholding the rule of law. The spokesperson reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to ongoing reforms and expressed a willingness for constructive dialogue regarding legitimate concerns.
Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have voiced their disapproval of the honorary title bestowed upon King Hamad. Allan Hogarth, head of government relations for Amnesty International UK, raised concerns regarding the implications of this honor amidst reports of unjust prosecutions targeting critics and human rights defenders languishing behind bars.
He remarked on the troubling context: “The award raises questions about its timing when many individuals remain unjustly detained on politically motivated charges.”
The British ambassador to Bahrain, Alastair Long, described the visit as a “spectacular evening,” highlighting that King Charles had praised King Hamad for his dedication to his people.
Bahrain maintains strong diplomatic ties with the UK; however, its internal political climate remains contentious. King Hamad governs a Sunni Muslim monarchy amid a Shia majority population. Notably, during pro-democracy protests in 2011, government forces violently suppressed dissent with assistance from neighboring countries.
While earlier this year saw some political prisoners released as part of a royal pardon marking King Hamad’s 25th anniversary on the throne, many activists remain incarcerated. Among them are prominent figures like Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and Hassan Mushaima, whose family members signed the letter to King Charles protesting against his honor.
As long-standing issues of political oppression persist in Bahrain, critics argue that awarding such honors only serves to undermine international human rights efforts.
In this context, it remains crucial for global leaders to carefully consider their gestures of recognition towards figures implicated in serious human rights violations as they navigate diplomatic relations.
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