Bahrain tortured detainees years after 2011 protests, says Human Rights Watch

Bahrain’s security forces tortured detainees in the years after its 2011 protests, despite a government promise to stop such abuses in the island nation, according to a new report released Monday. The Human Rights Watch report on Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, corresponds with accounts of abuse provided by Amnesty International and local activists.The report is based on testimony offered by 14 people, who described being physically assaulted while in police or security service custody. Several said they suffered electric shocks and sexual abuse, while others described being hung in painful positions or being exposed to extreme cold.

The few that have resulted have, almost exclusively, involved low-ranking officers, and have — without exception — resulted in acquittals or disproportionately light sentences.

Human Rights Watch comments on abuse prosecutions

Following the 2011 protests, the government vowed to grant “no immunity” for anyone suspected of abuses. At that time, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa listened somberly to a report issued by a government-sponsored investigator outlining how his security forces used torture and excessive force to stomp out the demonstrations. Human Rights Watch said little has changed since then. Bahrain’s interior ministry disputed the report and a statement given to Associated Press , the government said 73 security force members — “including high-ranking officers” — have been “transferred to courts on charges of mistreatment”.

No human rights purpose is served by criticizing the institutions publicly before they have had the opportunity to receive and investigate the allegations.

Maj. Gen. Ibrahim al-Ghaith, Bahrain interior ministry

Middle East Bahrain abuse