Bahrain revokes citizenship of 69 over support for Iranian attacks

Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals over alleged support for Iranian attacks on the Gulf state, according to state media on April 27, in a move authorities said was aimed at safeguarding national security.

The ministry said that the decision targeted people accused of “expressing sympathy for or glorifying” Iran’s actions against the kingdom, as well as individuals allegedly involved in espionage with foreign actors, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Officials said the measures were taken under Article 10(3) of Bahrain’s nationality law, which allows for citizenship to be withdrawn if individuals are deemed to have acted against the interests of the state or breached loyalty obligations.

The state broadcaster published the names of those affected and said all were of non-Bahraini origin. Authorities added that dependants were also included in the revocation orders, and that implementation measures were underway.

The move follows directives from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who earlier this month ordered officials to take action against those described as traitors and to reassess citizenship eligibility.

Bahrain, a close US ally and host of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has accused Iran of carrying out missile and drone strikes against the kingdom during recent regional hostilities. Officials said earlier this year that air defences intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones launched towards Bahraini territory before a ceasefire took effect on April 8.

Authorities have already taken action against more than a dozen individuals suspected of links to Iran or the Lebanese group Hezbollah, including charges related to espionage and financing activities.

Similar citizenship revocations have been carried out in neighbouring Kuwait, which last year stripped tens of thousands of people of nationality in a broader review of citizenship files.