200 people detained after party

At least 200 people are detained at an unknown location in Bahrain after being present at what some local media have described as a “gay party”. The media claim that many of the attendants at the party are “gay” and have committed acts that constitute “immoral behaviour”, although no official charges have been filed against the detainees.

According to media reports, at least 200 people were arrested by the police on 2 February, while at a party at the Hidd Sports Club in al-Muharraq, Bahrain. The police raided the events hall in the middle of the night after neighbours complained about the noise. Local media have alleged that some of the attendees were consuming alcohol, while others, identified as male, were wearing women’s clothing.

Nobody has been able to confirm the whereabouts of the detainees. Media reports claim those arrested were accused of acts that constitute “immoral behaviour”. Amnesty International understands that their file has been transferred to the Public Prosecution Office for official indictment. Many of the detainees are reported to be from Gulf and other Arab countries.

Amnesty International does not yet know what the accusations of “moral behaviour” are based upon.  If any of the people are detained on the basis of their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, Amnesty calls for their immediate release. All those detained on the grounds of their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity are considered prisoners of conscience. The right to freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual orientation, is recognized in international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Bahrain is a State Party.