Gulf states: More than 1,000 arrested in sweeping war-related crackdown on expression

(Amnesty International) Authorities across Gulf states have arrested more than 1,000 people in a sweeping, war-related crackdown on expression, including for sharing online content or expressing views related to the US-Israeli war with Iran and Iran’s attacks on the Gulf, Amnesty International said today. In Kuwait and Bahrain, authorities have also stripped citizens of their nationality, including in reprisal for expression. After the war began, citing national security concerns, authorities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, issued blanket warnings against sharing online content that spreads “rumours” or “false information” about the war or comes from “unknown sources.” Soon after, multiple Gulf states began announcing mass arrests. “While Gulf states may take measures to address misinformation and protect national security, and may derogate from certain rights during armed conflict, any restriction on freedom of expression must meet strict international human rights standards. Derogations must be clearly and precisely provided by law, pursue a legitimate aim, and be strictly necessary and proportionate. Blanket restrictions and the sweeping criminalization of information-sharing fail to meet these requirements,” said Heba Morayef, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. – Gulf states: More than 1,000 arrested in sweeping war-related crackdown on expression – Amnesty International