Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa
{{Short description|Bahraini royalty and government official}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Family name hatnote|lang=Arabic|Al Khalifa}}
{{Infobox royalty
| image = Shaikh Nasser Al Khalifa Official Photo 2024.jpg
| caption = Official portrait, 2024
| name = Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|5|8|df=y}}
| birth_place = Riffa, Bahrain
| spouse = Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum
| * Children = * Sheema
- Hamad
- Mohammad
- Hamdan
- Khalid
| house = Khalifa
| father = Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
| mother = Sheia bint Hassan Al Khrayyesh Al Ajmi
| religion =
| module = {{Infobox military person | embed=yes
| branch = 20px Royal Guard
| serviceyears = 2006–present
| rank = Lieutenant General
| commands = Commander of the Royal Guard
| unit = Bahrain Royal Guards
| battles = Yemeni Civil War
| awards =
}}
}}
{{Bahraini royal family}}
{{Infobox royal styles
|royal name = Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa
|image = 50px
|dipstyle = His Highness
|offstyle = Your Highness
|altstyle = Sheikh}}
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa ({{langx|ar|ناصر بن حمد آل خليفة}}; born 8 May 1987), also known as Prince Nasser, is a member of the Bahraini royal family, Commander of Bahrain's Royal Guard,{{cite news |title=Captain Shaikh Nasser promoted to colonel and appointed BDF Royal Guard Commander |url=http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/461478 |access-date=12 March 2012 |newspaper=Bahrain News Agency |date=19 June 2011}}{{cite news |title=Colonel Shaikh Nasser To Head Royal Guard |url=http://www.dt.bh/newsdetails.php?key=301110213450&newsid=190611182341 |access-date=12 March 2012|newspaper=Bahrain Tribune |date=20 June 2011}} deputy chairman of the Higher Committee for Energy and Natural Resources{{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HMKingissuesDecree522021.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDiS1P%2FKKjZh868WQuME6XV8%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}} and the head of the government's Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. He is the third in line of the heir apparent of the Kingdom of Bahrain. In April 2021, he was appointed as chairman of Bapco Energies, formerly called “nogaholding".{{cite news|last=Saba|first=Yousef|title=Bahrain's nogaholding aims to broaden energy interests beyond oil and gas|work=Reuters|date=16 November 2021|accessdate=10 May 2022|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/bahrains-oil-gas-authority-transition-energy-company-2021-11-16/}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bahrain-noga-idUSL1N2MG1TM |title=King of Bahrain appoints Shaikh Nasser as Security Defence Council Secretary-General |date=2021-04-23 |work=Reuters |access-date=2021-05-21 |language=en}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.noga.gov.bh/noga/news.aspx?id=2342 |title=HM King issues decree 54/2021, appointing Nogaholding board chairman |date=2021-04-23 |work=National Oil and Gas Authority |access-date=2021-05-21 |language=en}}
Early life and education
Al Khalifa is the fourth-born son of the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa with Sheia bint Hassan Al Khrayyesh Al Ajmi, his second wife.{{Cite news |url=https://www.gsn-online.com/article/bahrain-birth-nasser-bin-hamads-son-hamdan |title=Bahrain: Birth of Nasser Bin Hamad's son Hamdan |date=2018-11-01 |work=Gulf States Newsletter |access-date=2021-01-19 |language=en}}
He was educated in Bahrain at Ibn Khuldoon National School. He then joined the commissioning course of officer cadet at the Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom (2005-2006),{{Cite news |date=2020-07-05 |title=King of Bahrain appoints Shaikh Nasser as Security Defence Council Secretary-General |language=en |work=Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre |url=https://www.bahraindefence.com/news/king-of-bahrain-appoints-shaikh-nasser-as-security-defence-council-secretary-general |access-date=2021-05-20}} where he was the recipient of King Hussain’s Medal for Outstanding Overseas Cadet and achieved Second Lieutenants Rank. H.H. Shaikh Nasser also participated in numerous military training courses, programs and exercises that contributed to his leadership advancement. He also attended the U.S Marine Corps Command and Staff College; Quantico VA, USA (2010-2011).{{Cite web |title=HM King Hamad congratulates Shaikh Nasser – 24×7 News |url=https://www.twentyfoursevennews.com/2011/06/hm-king-hamad-congratulates-shaikh-nasser/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |language=en-US}} He is currently serving in the Bahrain Defence Force and leads the Bahrain National Endurance Team.{{cite web |title=Kuwait: 2009 Shk Nasser bin Hamad Al Kalifa Endurance Cup |url=http://www.endurance.net/international/Kuwait/2009ShkNasserCup/ |work=Endurance |access-date=25 December 2010}}
Military service
Al Khalifa started his career as a platoon commander in the Motorized Infantry Company of the Royal Guard Battalion. After that he went on to become the Rapid reaction force commander in the Royal Guard, where he served from 2008 - 2011,{{Cite web |title=الملك ينيب القائد العام لحضور منافسات الماراثون العسكري28 |url=https://www.alayam.com/alayam/sports/392154/News.html |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=Alayam.com |language=ar}} and is currently the commander of the Bahrain Defence Force Royal Guard since he was appointed in 2011.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bahraindefence.com/news/bahrain-royal-guard-special-force-marks-10th-anniversary |title=Bahrain Royal Guard Special Force marks 10th anniversary |date=2017-07-03 |work=Bidec News |access-date=2021-01-19 |language=en}} As Commander of the Royal Guard, he oversaw the operations and strategic planning of the Royal Guards' functions and regiments and monitored its growth and development. As part of these development initiatives, he established an elite contingent, the Special Quick Reaction Force, within the Royal Guard. He participated in the Saudi-led Operations Decisive Storm and Restoring Hope by commanding the first Royal Guard Task Force in 2015 which conducted operations in both Ma’rib and Aden.{{Cite web |date=2015-09-07 |title=Bahrain's King: My sons will be sent to help coalition forces in Yemen |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2015/09/07/Gulf-and-Arab-countries-pledge-reinforcements-to-Saudi-led-coalition-forces-in-Yemen |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=Al Arabiya English |language=en}}
In July 2020, his father King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa appointed him as Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bahraindefence.com/news/king-of-bahrain-appoints-shaikh-nasser-as-security-defence-council-secretary-general |title=King of Bahrain appoints Shaikh Nasser as Security Defence Council Secretary-General |date=2020-07-05 |work=Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre |access-date=2021-05-23 |language=en}} As the National Security Advisor and General Secretary of the Supreme Council for Defence, he manages royal directives, charged by His Majesty the King on matters pertaining to national security, regional relations and youth and leads high level delegations globally, to cover various grounds that concern the Kingdom of Bahrain’s role as an active player in the global arena.{{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HMKingchairsSupremeDefenceCouncilmeeting.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDoar2buyV%2F%2FW%2FpeaFlceFF4%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}}
Endurance racing and athletics
In December 2006, Al Khalifa led the Bahrain National Endurance team in the Doha Asian Games. He won a silver medal in the individual race and the six-member Bahraini squad came second in the overall team event.{{cite news |title=Crown Prince congratulates Shaikh Nasser |url=http://bna.bh/portal/en/news/408516 |access-date=24 July 2012 |newspaper=Bahrain News Agency |date=14 December 2006}}
In September 2007, Al Khalifa led the Bahrain National Endurance team in the European Open held at Portugal. He came in 8th place in the individual race and the Bahrain team came in second place and won a silver medal.{{cite web |title=Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa's CV |url=http://www.alfurrsan.bh/en/component/content/article/30.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115045538/http://www.alfurrsan.bh/en/component/content/article/30.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 January 2013 |publisher=Al Furrsan |access-date=24 July 2012}}
In October 2018, Al Khalifa competed at the 2018 Ironman World Championship and completed the race in 57th place of his category that was held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=IRONMAN |title=Other Sports: IRONMAN |url=https://www.ironman.com/im-world-championship-2023-results |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=www.ironman.com}}
In July 2022, Al Khalifa riding his horse Lola de Jalima, captained the Royal Endurance Team that won the 120-kilometre race and the 160-kilometre race, clocking 5 hours, 48 minutes and 59 seconds in Slovakia.{{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDjRw1fxh%2FqT468IR5PLVz1U%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}}
In October 2022, Al Khalifa won gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses riding the mare Lola de Jalima in Vic, Spain.{{Cite news |url=https://www.fei.org/athlete/10018838/AL-KHALIFA-Hh-Sh-Nasser-Bin-Hamad|title=Hh Sh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa |date= |work=Fédération Equestre Internationale |access-date=2022-12-13 |language=en}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HHShaikhNasserbinHamadtriumphsinFEIEnduranceWorldChampionship.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDitNvLfXTHnytsxQHKuqFQA%3D |title=HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad triumphs in FEI Endurance World Championship |date=2022-10-03 |work=Bahrain News Agency |access-date=2022-12-13 |language=en}}
Earlier in June 2024, he led the Royal Endurance Team to victory in the 120-kilometer race at the Šamorín Championship in Slovakia, showcasing his exceptional leadership and competitive spirit.{{Cite web |title=HH Sheikh Nasser Leads Royal Endurance Team to Victory in Slovakia |url=https://localbh.com/lifestyle/news/hh-sh-nasser-leads-the-royal-endurance-team-to-victory-in-the-120km-race-in-slovakia/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Local BH}}
In September 2024, Shaikh Nasser achieved a significant milestone by winning his second consecutive title at the 160-kilometer FEI World Endurance Championship held in Monpazier, France. Competing against 118 riders from 39 countries, Shaikh Nasser secured first place, solidifying his status as a leading figure in endurance racing.{{Cite web |title=HH Sheikh Nasser Wins FEI World Endurance Championship |url=https://www.bizbahrain.com/hh-sheikh-nasser-wins-fei-world-endurance-championship/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Biz Bahrain}}
Energy and natural resources
Al Khalifa was appointed in 2021 as the deputy chairman of the higher committee for energy and natural resources. The Supreme Committee for Energy and Natural Resource's responsibility is to review the national energy strategy of the Kingdom of Bahrain.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-21 |title=لجنة الطاقة والثروات الطبيعية تستعرض مقترح الاستراتيجية الوطنية للطاقة |url=https://alwatannews.net/Bahrain/article/1017114/لجنة-الطاقة-والثروات-الطبيعية-تستعرض-مقترح-الاستراتيجية-الوطنية-للطاقة |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=Watan |language=Arabic}} The committee is also responsible for setting the strategy of the current oil expansion project in Bahrain including the Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP).{{Cite web |title=Bapco - Bapco Modernization Programme (BMP) |url=https://www.bapco.net/en/page/introduction/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bapco.net}} He became the chairman of (Nogaholding) where the countries energy industry is transitioning towards sustainable energy production.{{Cite web |title=Environment Sustainable Goals {{!}} Kingdom of Bahrain |url=https://www.nogaholding.com/en/category/environment-sustainable-goals |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=www.nogaholding.com |language=en}} Under his leadership, (Nogaholding) has begun to set various plans to maximize value creation, search for optimize solutions while tapping into alternative energy sources to ensure the company’s goals are in line to meet the Kingdom’s energy requirements and global competition.{{Cite web |title=Press Releases {{!}} Kingdom of Bahrain |url=https://www.nogaholding.com/en/article/hh-shaikh-nasser-stresses-need-to-enhance-oil-gas-sectors-role-in-supporting-national-economy-221555 |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=www.nogaholding.com |language=en}}
In December 2023, during a Bapco Energies board meeting chaired by Shaikh Nasser, the company reinforced its commitment to adopting advanced technologies and expanding Bahrain’s renewable energy portfolio. This initiative supports the Kingdom's transition toward a more sustainable and diversified energy future.{{Cite web |title=HH Shaikh Nasser chairs Bapco Energies board meeting |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HHShaikhNasserchairsBapcoEnergiesboardmeeting.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDnZMgTOShvG1kd53pd%2Ffh1c%3D |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Bahrain News Agency}}
In March 2024, Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as Chairman of Bapco Energies, spearheaded a strategic partnership with TotalEnergies to optimize the operations of Bahrain's Sitra refinery and enhance petroleum product trading. This collaboration aligns with Bahrain's National Energy Strategy, emphasizing the diversification of energy resources and the promotion of sustainability.{{Cite web |title=Shaikh Nasser leads strategic partnership with TotalEnergies |url=https://www.nasser.bh/en/all/news |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Nasser.bh}}
Charity
He furthermore chairs the Board of Trustees of the Royal Charity Organization and contributes to the design of the organization's strategy and development.{{Cite web |title=H.H. Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa |url=http://www.nasseralkhalifa.bh/english/news.asp |access-date=2019-08-20 |website=nasseralkhalifa.bh}} As part of Bahrain's humanitarian initiatives, Major General. Shaikh Nasser Al Khalifa paid a visit to the Al Zatari Refugee Camp in Jordan to preview the matters of the Syrian refugees and inaugurated the Bahrain School for Syrian refugees at the Al Zatari Refugee Camp in Jordan on November 25, 2012.{{Cite web |title=Bahrain opens school for Syrian refugees in Jordan – Jordan {{!}} ReliefWeb |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/jordan/bahrain-opens-school-syrian-refugees-jordan |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=reliefweb.int |date=14 May 2018 |language=en}} In addition, he signed an agreement in the Philippines in February 2014, following the devastating typhoon, to build two vocational training centers carrying the name of "Bahrain", and a 500-home residential complex.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Beatrice |date=24 Feb 2014 |title=Bahrain to invest $1.6m in infrastructure for Philippines |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc/bahrain-invest-1-6m-in-infrastructure-for-philippines-540047 |website=Arabian Business}}
Personal life
Al Khalifa married in Dubai on 28 September 2009 (nikah ceremony) and 2 October 2009 (milcha reception) to Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a daughter of the Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.{{cite web |url=http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b14bf548e0004210VgnVCM1000004d64a8c0RCRD&vgnextchannel=063e4c8631cb4110VgnVCM100000b0140a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&date=1254164385053&type=sheikh |title=Sheikh Mohammed |access-date=13 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924101320/http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b14bf548e0004210VgnVCM1000004d64a8c0RCRD&vgnextchannel=063e4c8631cb4110VgnVCM100000b0140a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&date=1254164385053&type=sheikh |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}} They have one daughter and four sons.
Leadership titles
Al Khalifa is also referred to as "Prince Nasser" in the English press.
Job descriptions, roles and titles held by him include:
- Royal Endurance Team Leader (2000){{Cite web |title=About BREEF – BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE FEDERATION |url=https://www.breef.bh/about-breef/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |language=en-US}}
- Honorary Chairman of Bahraini Committee for Endurance (2000)
- President of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian & Endurance Federation (2003-2009)
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Charity Organization (2007){{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDpGNk4X%2FgmBs5d1kSlIFeFM%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}}
- Member of the Economic Development Board (2008){{Cite web |title=EDB {{!}} Welcome |url=https://www.bahrainedb.com/EDB_AnnualReport_2017/?page=board_of_directors |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bahrainedb.com}}
- Chairman of The Bahrain Olympic Committee (2009 – 2021)
- First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth & Sports (2010){{Cite web |title=About the Council :: Supreme Council for Youth and Sports |url=https://www.scys.gov.bh/en/about_the_council |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.scys.gov.bh}}
- President of the Supreme Council for Youth & Sports (2010)
- Commander of the Royal Guard (2011)
- Personal Representative of His Majesty the King for Philanthropy and Youth Affairs (2014){{Cite web |title=Board Of Directors |url=https://www.npc.bh/board-of-directors/?lang=en |access-date=2022-09-20 |language=en-US}}
- Chairman of the board of Trustees of the Nasser Bin Hamad Foundation (2014){{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HHShaikhNasserchairsRoyalHumanitarianFoundationmeeting.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDtUnvEhd9jLh9oPm%2FR8lRi8%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}}
- President of the Higher Commission for Financial Coordination and Cooperation (2016){{Cite web |title=Media Center {{!}} Kingdom of Bahrain |url=https://www.nogaholding.com/en/article/h-h-shaikh-nasser-bin-hamad-al-khalifa |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.nogaholding.com |language=en}}
- Deputy President of the Supreme Authority of the Royal Fund for Martyrs of Duty (2016).
- Chairman of High Committee, Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (2017).{{Cite web |title=Shaikh Nasser chairs BIDEC 2017 meeting {{!}} THE DAILY TRIBUNE {{!}} KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN |url=https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/38156.html |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=DT News |language=en-US}}
- Member of Supreme Council for Defence (2017).
- Honorary President of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian & Endurance Federation (2019){{Cite web |title=HM King's constant support for endurance sport praised by HH Shaikh Nasser {{!}} THE DAILY TRIBUNE {{!}} KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN |url=https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/78390.html |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=DT News |language=en-US}}
- National Security Advisor (2019).{{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HMKingissuesRoyalOrderappointingHHShaikhNasserasNationalSecurityAdvisor.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDtC%2BgleL2gqqnx2aU8T06Qg%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}}
- Deputy Chairman of the Higher Committee for Energy and Natural Resources (2020)
- General Secretary of the Supreme Council for Defence (2020){{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HMKingappointsShaikhNasserasSDCSecretaryGeneralStrategicSecurityBureausetup.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDvD%2BAT3nzCVzpqufowYHKPo%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}}
- Deputy Chairman of the Higher Committee for Energy and Natural Resources (2021)
- Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oil and Gas Holding Company (Nogaholding) (2021){{Cite web |title=Board of Directors {{!}} Kingdom of Bahrain |url=https://www.nogaholding.com/en/category/board-of-directors |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.nogaholding.com |language=en}}
Honours and awards
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (17 October 1996).{{Cite web |url=https://www.quirinale.it/onorificenze/insigniti/11666 |title=Le onorificenze della Repubblica Italiana |website=quirinale.it |access-date=2019-08-20}}
- The Arab Knight of Giving Award by the 4th Arab Giving Forum - Zayed Giving Initiative in the United Arab of Emirates (24 April 2016).{{Cite web |title=Bahrain News: Top honour for Shaikh Nasser |url=https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/82639/Top-honour-for-Shaikh-Nasser |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.gdnonline.com}}
- The Medal of Honour by the Palestinian President, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas (11 July 2016).{{Cite web |title=HH Shaikh Nasser awarded with Palestinian prez medal {{!}} THE DAILY TRIBUNE {{!}} KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN |url=https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/23292.html |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=DT News |date=19 July 2016 |language=en-US}}
- The ANOC Medal in appreciation of his major role in sports at the international level (15 November 2016).{{Cite web |title=Other Sports: Anoc honour for Shaikh Nasser |url=https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/134617/Anoc-honour-for-Shaikh-Nasser |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=www.gdnonline.com|date=5 December 2017 }}
- The Distinction Award for the "Best Arab rider", following third-place finish in the World Endurance Championship in Slovakia, September 17, 2016, from the FEI Regional Group VII (FEI Group VII) of the Federation Equestre International (FEI). (2016){{Cite web |title=Media Center {{!}} Kingdom of Bahrain |url=https://www.nogaholding.com/en/article/h-h-shaikh-nasser-bin-hamad-al-khalifa |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=www.nogaholding.com |language=en}}
- Honorary Leadership Personality Of The Year Award Kingdom of Bahrain. (2020) {{Cite web |title=Bahrain News Agency |url=https://www.bna.bh/en/HHShaikhNassergrantedHonoraryLeadershipPersonalityoftheYearAward.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDjToyvrK1Zq67knhTu7H8fE%3D |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=www.bna.bh}}
Allegations of torture
Al Khalifa became the subject of allegations of torture after anti-government protests in 2011, during the Arab Spring in Bahrain. At the time, he issued a royal decree permitting the army to establish military courts to deal with democracy protesters, including a committee set up to investigate "breaches by individuals associated with the sports movement during the recent unfortunate events in the Kingdom of Bahrain". The Bahrain Football Association, headed by Sheikh Salman, threatened punishments for those who had participated in the protests, or any other act that aims to "overthrow the regime or insult national figures". Around 150 athletes and administrators were arrested under the decree, and some alleged that they had endured torture during their detention.{{Cite web |date=21 January 2016 |title=Pressure Builds on Sheikh Salman to Respond to Human Rights Allegations |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-dorsey/pressure-builds-on-sheikh_b_9035584.html |access-date=2016-02-29 |website=Huffington Post| first= James M. |last=Dorsey }}
In 2014, a Bahraini citizen sought the arrest of Al Khalifa in the United Kingdom following allegations that he was directly involved in the torture of three prisoners in Bahrain during a pro-democracy uprising there in 2011. The Bahraini government has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. The government reaffirmed its condemnation of torture and highlighted its commitment to investigating credible allegations.{{Cite news |date=7 October 2014 |title=UK High Court Quashes Immunity Status of Bahrain's Prince Nasser for Prosecution on Allegations of Torture |url=https://birdbh.org/2014/10/uk-high-court-quashes-immunity-status-of-bahrains-prince-nasser-for-prosecution-on-allegations-of-torture/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=BIRD}}
Several {{abbr|NGOs|non-government organizations}} criticized his participation at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.{{Cite web |date=2014-09-01 |title=Un prince bahreïni accusé de torture, pas inquiété par la France |url=https://www.liberation.fr/societe/2014/09/01/un-prince-bahreini-accuse-de-torture-pas-inquiete-par-la-france_1091508 |access-date=2019-08-20 |website=Libération |language=fr}} The high court in London ruled that Al Khalifa is not immune from torture claims.{{Cite news |date=2014-10-07 |title=Thousands of Ramadan bags to be handed out |language=en |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29521420 |access-date=2021-01-18}} In 2017, activists asked the United States to suspend a diplomatic visa for Al Khalifa over the allegations.{{Cite news |date=2017-11-01 |title=Activists ask US to suspend Bahrain prince's diplomatic visa |language=en |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/36556ae4759d4b9088d25850fb180ce4 |access-date=2021-01-19}} In response to these concerns, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed Bahrain's status as "an important U.S. partner," emphasizing the bilateral relationship's foundation on shared interests, including counterterrorism, regional security, and countering Iran's influence in the Middle East. The State Department did not address the specific allegations against Shaikh Nasser but highlighted Bahrain's strategic importance in U.S. foreign policy.{{Cite news |date=1 November 2017 |title=U.S. Describes Bahrain as Strategic Partner Amid Controversy |url=https://apnews.com/article/36556ae4759d4b9088d25850fb180ce4 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Associated Press}}
Ancestry
{{ahnentafel
|collapsed=yes |align=center
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|1= 1. Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa
|2= 2. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
|3= 3. Sheia bint Hassan Al Khrayyesh Al Ajmi
|4= 4. Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
|5= 5. Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa
|6= 6. Hassan Al Khrayyesh Al Ajmi
|7=
|8= 8. Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
|9= 9. Mouza bint Hamad Al Khalifa
|10= 10. Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa
|11=
|12=
|13=
|14=
|15=
}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khalifa, Nasser Hamad Isa}}
Category:Graduates of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Category:Asian Games silver medalists in equestrian
Category:Equestrians at the 2006 Asian Games
Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Category:Asian Games silver medalists for Bahrain
External links
- [Official Website of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa](https://nasser.bh/en/all)