Several social clubs ‘discriminating against Bahrainis, abusing powers’

Certain social clubs in Bahrain are ‘abusing powers’ and are ‘discriminating against Bahrainis’, allege lawyers. The allegations come amid multiple lawsuits being filed against members of the executive committee of a prominent social club in the Kingdom. Members of the executive committee of the social club involved have been sued for abuse of power, discrimination and for unfairly imposing a ban on its chairman.

Speaking about the issue, lawyer Hasan Al Ajooz said that many social clubs have been systematically discriminating against Bahrainis. “Some social clubs are excluding Bahraini citizens from discussions and discriminating against them. “They are not following the rules and regulations set by the authorities,” Mr. Al Ajooz said.

 He urged the authorities to take urgent action against the violating clubs.  Speaking to Tribune, a chairman of a social club, who was recently banned by its members, said, on grounds of anonymity: “Banning, barring or indeed suspending a Social Club Chairman can only be done by order of the membership at the clubs annual general assembly and not by the individuals on a clubs committee.”

“Banning, barring and suspending were done against club members, the vast majority being Bahraini because their views are contrary to certain members of the executive committee.”