Bahrain Grants Unprecedented Amnesty, Releasing Over 1,500 Prisoners

In a surprising move, Bahrain's king pardons prisoners, including political detainees, ahead of Eid and the 25th anniversary of his reign.

Bahrain has released 1,584 prisoners, marking the largest amnesty since the Arab Spring uprising of 2011.
The amnesty includes political detainees and those imprisoned for rioting, with some serving life sentences.
The releases were ordered by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, coinciding with Eid and his 25th anniversary as king.
Despite the mass pardon, approximately 600 political prisoners remain incarcerated, including high-profile opposition figures.
The amnesty aims to improve Bahrain's global image and comes after a visit by Bahrain’s crown prince to Saudi Arabia.