When speaking out for justice becomes dangerous, women like Ebtisam Al-Saegh offer examples of the continuous taument that activists face. A prominent Bahraini human rights and women’s rights activist, Al-Saegh represents the compounded risks female activists face in the digital age, particularly in authoritarian states like Bahrain. Her experience serves as a chilling example of how regimes deploy advanced digital surveillance tools to suppress dissent while exposing women activists to heightened risks due to both their advocacy and gender.
Al-Saegh’s unwavering commitment to defending the rights of women and political prisoners in Bahrain has made her a frequent target of state repression. Before her sentencing in May 2017, she was subjected to brutal torture, including sexual assault, at the hands of Bahrain’s National Security Service.
Although released pending trial, the abuses against her did not stop there. Investigations by Middle East Eye suggest she became a target of Pegasus spyware, a powerful surveillance tool developed by the Israeli NSO Group, allowing Bahraini authorities to infiltrate her phone. This spyware granted access to her private communications, location data, and even live conversations, creating an invasive net around her activities. Reports indicate her iPhone was hacked at least eight times between August and November 2019.
Al-Saegh described the fear and violation she felt:
“I now fear the worst and worry that the Bahrain government will be able to exploit my personal documents and family photos.”
But surveillance was only part of the campaign against her. The spyware attack has led to fear that her personal information could be held against her. The repercussions extended beyond her personal safety, affecting her family, social standing, and mental well-being, further intensifying the psychological toll of such targeted oppression. It is clear that this is a direct act of violence against human rights activists.
Al-Saegh’s case is not an isolated one; it reflects a broader pattern of repression against women human rights defenders in Bahrain. Female activists often face gender-based violence, including digital harassment, sexual intimidation, and defamation, all designed to erode their credibility and deter their activism. This creates an additional layer of asymmetry due to the fact that these acts exacerbate pre existing vulnerabilities that women face. These tactics not only suppress their voices but also reinforce societal norms that seek to limit women’s inclusion and participation in public and political life.
Her treatment, both in custody and after, exemplifies the compounding impact of authoritarian control and gender-based oppression in Bahrain’s digital landscape. As an outspoken critic of the regime and a woman activist, she represents a dual threat to the state, making her a prime target of both political and gendered repression.
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain urges the Bahraini government to cease its use of digital repression tools like Pegasus, end the harassment and persecution of women activists, and ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms. The international community must hold the Bahraini government accountable for its systematic violations of human rights, particularly in its efforts to target women who challenge the regime. Ensuring the safety and freedom of expression for women activists is not only a matter of justice but also a crucial step in combating digital authoritarianism in the 21st century.