Human rights activists have condemned the UK for awarding an honorary knighthood, the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain during his visit to the UK.

Three Bahraini activists in exile penned a letter to Buckingham Palace, calling it a 'betrayal' due to alleged human rights abuses in Bahrain, such as arbitrary imprisonment and torture.

Bahrain's government dismissed these claims, stating its commitment to reform and progress in human rights.

The award to King Hamad, along with King Abdullah of Jordan, coincides with their silver jubilees and was announced without comment from Buckingham Palace.

Critics, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, argue the honor sends the wrong message amidst ongoing human rights violations in Bahrain.

Despite these issues, Bahrain and the UK maintain strong diplomatic relations, underscored by King Hamad's recent visit, which included ceremonial events at Windsor Castle.

King Hamad, a Sunni ruler of a Shia-majority country, oversees a government dominated by his family.

Since quelling pro-democracy protests in 2011 with regional support, Bahrain has faced criticism for its human rights record.

Earlier this year, Bahrain released some political prisoners to mark King Hamad’s 25 years in power, yet numerous prisoners remain, including noted activists like Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja and Hassan Mushaima, fathers of two of the letter's signatories.

Another signatory, Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, recounted his own mistreatment and opposition to the regime.

Human Rights Watch stated that the king's recent pardons fail to rectify past abuses, and critiqued the UK honor amid ongoing detentions.