The Al-Amal Center for Human Rights and Justice has documented a significant rise in the pace of arrests during March and April 2026. A total of 322 arrests were recorded, with 296 individuals still detained at the time of this report, while 26 have been released.
The data indicates the continued targeting of diverse groups, including 4 women and several children (4 documented cases), as well as 8 foreign nationals and 6 cases occurring outside Bahrain. Additionally, one death in custody has been recorded under circumstances that warrant thorough investigation.
Patterns of Arrest
Findings show that arrests are carried out through multiple methods, most notably:
Security summons (149 cases), following data updates
On-site arrests from public streets (78 cases)
Home raids (52 cases)
Checkpoints and vehicle stops (43 cases)
Geographical Distribution
Arrests were concentrated in several areas known for social and political activity, including Diraz, Sanabis, Sitra, Nuwaidrat, Bani Jamra, Karbabad, and Al-Markh, among others.
Concerning Indicators
A rise in cases related to “digital expression” and the application of cybercrime laws
The use of security summons as a tool for immediate detention
Documented cases of enforced disappearance or loss of communication
The continued detention of minors
The recording of a death in custody amid allegations of ill-treatment
These indicators reflect an increasingly restrictive environment for public freedoms,particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,alongside an expanded reliance on legal and security mechanisms to constrain civic activity.