Nabeel Rajab, one of Bahrain’s most prominent human rights defenders, exemplifies how cyber surveillance is used by the Bahraini government to target and silence activists. His case highlights the ongoing harm inflicted on civilians and activists by the regime. Rajab’s activism has consistently focused on condemning human rights violations both domestically and internationally. His outspoken criticism of the Bahraini government’s involvement in the Yemen conflict and its human rights abuses has made him a prime target for authorities.

In 2016, Rajab was arrested for tweets criticizing Bahrain’s involvement in the Yemen war and exposing the regime’s abuses. These tweets were dismissed as “false news” and “insults to a foreign country,” resulting in a five-year prison sentence in 2018; clear evidence of the state’s aggressive crackdown on digital dissent. What makes Rajab’s case particularly significant is the government’s use of his social media activity as direct evidence in legal proceedings. In a troubling trend, digital platforms have become tools for the state to monitor, track, and punish critics. Rajab’s tweets, which aimed to spotlight critical issues, were weaponized to justify his conviction and lengthy imprisonment.

While his release in 2020 marked a positive step toward political freedom in Bahrain, human rights activists still face significant challenges. Released under “alternative sentencing,” Rajab remains under surveillance, and his freedom of movement and speech is heavily restricted. His case is not an isolated one; a growing number of activists in Bahrain face legal persecution and imprisonment for their online activities. The regime’s response to digital dissent is not merely punitive but strategically aimed at deterring others from using digital platforms to criticize the government. The state’s use of surveillance technologies to monitor online speech has created a chilling effect, discouraging free expression and promoting self-censorship among activists and the broader public. These actions undermine basic human rights, including freedom of speech, privacy, and the right to freely exchange ideas.

Furthermore,  The 2024 Freedom House report ranked Bahrain as “Not Free,” with a score of 12/100, citing severe limitations on civil liberties and political rights. Despite the evidence, the international community’s response has been mixed. Some human rights organizations have called for greater accountability, while tech companies face criticism for enabling digital repression.

The struggles of activists, however, have not been in vain.  In 2024, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain granted amnesty to more than 800 individuals wrongfully imprisoned for peacefully exercising their right to free speech and political dissent. Nonetheless, political figures and human rights advocates such as Hassan Mushaima, Sheikh Ali Salman, Dr. Abduljalil al-Singace, and Abdulhadi al-Khawaja remain arbitrarily detained. Additionally, the death sentences of 26 individuals on death row have not been commuted by the Bahraini government.

Rajab’s case highlights the dangers of digital repression, not only for the individuals directly targeted but for the broader landscape of activism and independent journalism in Bahrain. As long as these practices persist, Bahrain’s government will continue to undermine the fundamental rights of its citizens and stifle the voices of those who seek accountability and change.

DR4G urges the government to take accountability and protect the rights of its citizens. Tech companies must also be held accountable for safeguarding the online spaces they provide, ensuring they are not complicit in the suppression of human rights. Furthermore, governments and international organizations must take decisive action to hold perpetrators of digital violence accountable and protect those who dare to speak truth to power.