Bahrain expels three MPs after they voted against royal decree on citizenship oversight
Middle East Eye
Bahrain's parliament voted unanimously to expel three MPs who opposed a royal decree removing judicial oversight of citizenship matters. The expulsions came days after dozens of people were stripped of nationality over alleged ties to the Iran conflict, prompting human rights concerns.
Bahrain's parliament on May 2 voted unanimously to expel three MPs—Abdulnabi Salman, Mamdooh al-Saleh, and Mahdi al-Shuwaik—after they voted against a royal decree removing judicial oversight in citizenship affairs. The decision came just days after dozens of people were stripped of nationality over alleged links to the Iran conflict.
During the April 28 session, the three MPs were the only ones to oppose the royal decree. They were charged with violating discipline, and the Council of Representatives voted to expel them, with all other members backing the decision.
The recent mass denaturalizations, tied to accusations of activities related to the Iran conflict, have raised concerns about human rights and a lack of transparency in the judicial system. The royal decree, if implemented, would eliminate the courts' role in reviewing citizenship-stripping decisions.
This move by Bahrain's parliament comes amid the government's tightening of security controls, particularly regarding activities suspected of links to Iran. However, international human rights organizations have criticized the denaturalizations and expulsion of MPs as violations of fundamental democratic principles and human rights.
