Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa


Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is a member of the Bahraini royal family, commander of Bahrain's Royal Guard president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the head of the government’s Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. He has been connected to several severe acts of human rights abuses, including personally torturing pro-democracy activists during the Arab Spring protests in Bahrain.

Early life and education

Nasser 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.
Nasser was educated in Bahrain at Ibn Khuldoon National School and then attended Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom, graduating in August 2006. He is currently serving in the Bahrain Defence Force and leads the Bahrain National Endurance Team.

Military service

Nasser is the commander of the Bahrain Defence Force Royal Guard, an elite unit that is deployed in the war in Yemen. Nasser himself fought in coalition missions accused of war crimes.

Endurance racing

He has participated in many regional and international endurance races and won many medals.
In December 2006, Sheikh Nasser 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.
In September 2007, Sheikh Nasser 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.
Nasser has been coached by Milan Erzen, a former professional cyclist. Erzen is now under suspicion of having organized doping at team Bahrain-Merida, where he is a managing director.

President of the Olympic Committee

Nasser is the president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. As such he created a special commission that prosecuted 150 members of the sporting community for peaceful demonstrations.

Charity

Nasser is chairman of the board of trustees of the Royal Charity Organisation, through which he is directly involved in charity work with many local and international community projects.

Allegations of torture

Nasser became the subject of allegations of torture after anti-government protests in 2011. During the Arab Spring Bahraini uprising, three unnamed individuals reported to human rights groups that they had personally been beaten by Sheikh Nasser. One was granted refugee status in the UK and has since sought his arrest by Scotland Yard.
Several criticized his participation at the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. These accusations have earned Nasser the label "torture prince".

Personal life

Nasser married in Dubai on 28 September 2009 and 2 October 2009 to Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, a daughter of the Emir of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Together they have one daughter and three sons.

Titles, styles and awards

Titles and styles