Bahrain King's Mass Pardon on 25th Anniversary Raises Political Speculations

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa pardoned 457 prisoners on his 25th anniversary as ruler, sparking speculations that many of those released were political prisoners. The Bahraini government did not disclose names, but activists claim the move is aimed at easing regional tensions, particularly with Iran.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa pardoned 457 prisoners on Wednesday night, marking his 25th anniversary as the ruler of the island nation. Activists suggest a significant number of those freed were political prisoners.

The state-run Bahrain News Agency announced the mass release, a recurring event in a nation known for its harsh crackdown on dissent following the 2011 Arab Spring protests. However, the specific names of those released were not disclosed, and the Bahraini government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, director of advocacy for the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, confirmed that many of the released prisoners were political detainees from the Jaw Rehabilitation and Reform Center, infamous for its demonstrations and hunger strikes.

"Authorities have been meeting with hundreds, indicating imminent releases," Alwadaei said. He noted that the move seems to primarily target political prisoners and aligns with Bahrain's broader regional strategy to normalize relations with Iran.

Addressing Shiite-majority complaints of mistreatment by Bahrain's Sunni ruling family could help ease longstanding tensions with Iran, especially after Saudi Arabia's detente with Tehran last year. In April, King Hamad pardoned over 1,500 prisoners, including more than 650 identified as political prisoners.

Bahrain, an island nation home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and about the size of New York City, has faced criticism for its human rights record, including imprisoning activists and revoking citizenship. The kingdom's move to pardon prisoners comes within a context of efforts to improve its international image, having recently established diplomatic relations with Israel and hosting Pope Francis in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)