Bahrain’s Ongoing Hunger Strikes and Protests, A Sign of Deepening Discontent

Mass hunger strikes within Bahraini prisons have sparked rare street protests in the kingdom, reminiscent of the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. Inmates in the country’s largest prison have been on a hunger strike for nearly five weeks, demanding improved conditions and protesting against mistreatment, medical neglect, and limited visitation rights. While the government claims only 116 prisoners are involved, activists report over 800 participants. These protests are against ongoing frustrations, including corruption, sectarian discrimination, and economic hardships since the 2011 uprising was suppressed. The hunger strikes signal the enduring resistance against authoritarian rule in Bahrain.

Myanmar unity government tells ASEAN no talks until prisoners freed

Myanmar’s pro-democracy unity government, which includes members of parliament ousted by the military coup, has told Southeast Asia’s regional bloc that it will not engage in talks until the junta releases all political prisoners. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been trying to find a path for Myanmar out of a bloody […]