Mr. Mohamed Khalid Al Hazza, Acting Advocate General and Head of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) announced that during the final third of the past year, SIU received 12 complaints involving allegations falling within its jurisdiction. SIU promptly initiated the necessary legal procedures in all these cases.
Statistics:
During the stated period, SIU heard the testimonies of 25 complainants and witnesses, interrogated 20 defendants and suspects from the Public Security Forces, and referred seven complainants to the Forensic Medicine and Psychological Support Division.
Achievements:
SIU completed investigations into a complaint identified through social media, taking immediate action and referring a Public Security Force member to the Minor Criminal Court. On November 13, 2024, the court sentenced the individual to six months of imprisonment for the charges brought against him. The appellate court upheld the ruling.
Additionally, under the authority granted to SIU by its founding resolution, investigations into two separate complaints resulted in the referral of two Public Security Force members to the Military Courts Department at the Ministry of Interior for appropriate disciplinary action. Investigations confirmed the validity of the allegations, warranting accountability measures.
In separate cases, disciplinary penalties were issued against two Public Security Force members, previously referred by SIU to the Military Courts Department for suitable disciplinary action.
Human Rights Initiatives:
On December 10, 2024, SIU held a discussion session in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) titled “Human Rights in Bahrain’s Criminal Justice System: Perspectives, Experiences, and Future Outlook.” This session coincided with International Human Rights Day and the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
The event was attended by approximately 60 participants, including officials and representatives from national institutions, mechanisms, and bodies dedicated to human rights protection within the criminal justice system, law enforcement authorities, and civil society organizations. Discussions covered Bahrain’s efforts to safeguard human rights in the criminal justice system according to international standards, advancements in national legislation, and the experiences gained by national bodies and mechanisms. Participants also addressed challenges, strategies for enhancing communication, and ways to develop future work strategies.
