Seven face charges over torture, mistreatment

Nawaf Abdullah Hamza, Head of Public Prosecution and Head of Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the Public Prosecution, gave an update on Monday on the progress of investigations into allegations of torture and mistreatment on the part of security forces. Thirteen witnesses have given statements to date, leading to the questioning and now charging of seven.

The Unit also received two new complaints last month (September 2012), and has opened investigations into them. It is completing the investigation process in preparation for bringing the accused in for questioning to answer allegations made against them.

The SIU was set up as a result of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) recommendations, with the mandate to investigate claims of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The necessary legal and legislative procedures have been taken to stipulate that crimes related to torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and resulting deaths are not considered military crimes and will fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Prosecution.