Bahrain Court Removes MP from Parliament over Dual Citizenship

Bahraini Parliament hold a session last May (BNA)
Bahraini Parliament hold a session last May (BNA)
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Bahrain Court Removes MP from Parliament over Dual Citizenship

Bahraini Parliament hold a session last May (BNA)
Bahraini Parliament hold a session last May (BNA)

A Bahraini court on Wednesday removed MP Mohammed Rafiq Al Hussaini from his parliament seat after discovering he carried undisclosed foreign citizenship when he ran for elections.
Al Hussaini is a representative for Muharraq's first district.
The decision to nullify his membership was announced by the Seventh Court of Cassation, chaired by Judge Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. It followed an appeal by the Directorate of Nationality, Passports, and Residence Affairs.
The Directorate had provided evidence that Al Hussaini held dual citizenship at the time of his candidacy for the Council of Representatives, breaching Article 57(a) of the Constitution which requires the sole Bahraini nationality for parliament members.
The court decision is the first case of its kind since Bahraini Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa formed a committee to review all cases of acquisition of Bahraini citizenship.

 



Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Shares Security Expertise with Syrian Delegation

The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)
The Syrian delegation reviewed Saudi Arabia's security practices (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Interior hosted a Syrian security delegation from April 14 to 16 to review the Kingdom's security practices and benefit from its expertise.

This move is part of Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to support the Syrian government in achieving security and stability, while preserving Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior, in a statement carried by the official news agency SANA, confirmed that a delegation recently visited Riyadh on an official trip “to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and policing.”

The ministry added that the visit aimed to examine Saudi security practices and benefit from its advanced expertise in related security areas, which would help develop Syria’s security framework and enhance its ability to confront emerging challenges.

The statement noted that this initiative is part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations, with Syria committed to supporting joint cooperation that serves national interests and promotes security and stability in the region.

Earlier in February, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking his first foreign visit since his appointment.

During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in Syria, strategies to support its security and stability, and ways to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors.

In a statement published by Syria’s official news agency SANA, al-Sharaa said, “We sensed and heard a genuine desire to support Syria in building its future, along with a commitment to uphold the will of the Syrian people and the unity and integrity of its territory.”

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, following a meeting with a Syrian delegation in Riyadh earlier this year, stated, “The time has come for Syria to stabilize, rebuild, and make the most of its resources, most importantly its brotherly Syrian people.”

In a post on X, the Saudi defense minister described the meeting as “fruitful.”

On February 25, Saudi Arabia welcomed the convening of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, expressing hope that it would contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people and strengthening national unity.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its support for efforts to build Syrian state institutions, foster stability, and improve the well-being of its citizens.

The statement also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.