The 1974 State Security Act allows the government to detain individuals accused of anti-government activity, which may and often does include participation in peaceful demonstrations and membership in outlawed organizations, for up to three years without trial. According to human rights groups, defendants are subject to torture, forced confessions, arbitrary arrest, incommunicado detention, and inadequate prison conditions. An estimated 1,500 people are currently detained without trial. Freedom of speech and the press are sharply restricted. Privately owned newspapers refrain from criticizing the regime, while radio and television are government owned and only broadcast official propaganda.
Freedom of association is also highly restricted.
Political parties and organizations are prohibited. Some professional societies and social or sports clubs have traditionally served as forums for political discussion, but they are restricted by law from engaging in political activity. In January, the prime minister dissolved the bar society, which was the only association exempt from the ban on political activity. Bahrainis are not permitted to demonstrate, and even peaceful protests are met with intimidation. Women face fewer restrictions in Bahrain than in other Islamic countries.