Human Rights Watch said in a statement released at dawn Sunday, September 4, 2016, that Bahrain has to immediately stop the prosecution of prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, who faces up to 15 years in prison on charges violating his right to freedom of expression.

France deplored the shutdown of the headquarters of Al-Wefaq political opposition group and suspension of its activities.

index on Censorship condemned the latest arrest of human rights campaigner Nabeel Rajab in Bahrain.

Bahrain’s Third Minor Criminal Court adjourned the trial of Shiite cleric Sheikh Mohammad Al-Mansi with continued detention until May 24, 2016.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that Bahrain achieved progress on human rights in Bahrain throughout 2015, although challenges remain, indicating that the Government of Bahrain continued to take steps to implement its human rights and political reform agenda.

The Bahraini authorities summoned the Bahraini poet Ahmad Al-Ajami for interrogation at the Nabih Saleh Police Station, over reciting a poem on February 24 at the National Democratic Society (Wa'ad) headquarters.

Bahrain Mirror (Reuters): The United States on Wednesday praised Bahrain's steps toward political reforms but said the country needs to do more, adding that U.S. officials will continue to press concerns over freedom of expression and other related rights.

Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain’s High Criminal Court set February 24, 2016 as the date for the verdict in the case raised against the Bahraini opposition leader and Secretary-General of the National Democratic Action Society (Wa’ad), Ebrahim Sharif, after listening to his and the defense panel’s pleadings as well as the Public Prosecution pleading.

Bahrain Mirror: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that “Bahrain press today enjoys complete freedom of expression and opinion,” expressing his appreciation of all journalists and columnists for raising key issues which serve the interests of the country.

Bahrain Mirror: The Bahraini state Al-Ayam newspaper said that a Bahrain court sentenced a tweeter known as “Bou Khamees” to one full year in prison after convicting him of insulting a journalist.

Members of the British Parliament expressed severe concerns about the ongoing restrictions against free speech in Bahrain; noting the recent findings by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch of "reprisals against individuals exercising their right to free speech in Bahrain."