Bahrain Protects 23 Victims and Witnesses in Criminal Cases

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Public Prosecution Office in Bahrain has successfully implemented a comprehensive programme to protect victims and witnesses in criminal cases, ensuring their safety and facilitating their participation in the justice system.

The programme, overseen by the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses headed by Counselor Amina Isa Mubarak, has already provided protection to 23 individuals. These cases range from domestic violence and sexual assault to crimes against children and human trafficking.

The programme provides a range of measures, including relocation, identity change, and security protection. These measures are implemented based on individual assessments of the threat level and the potential danger to the individual or their family.

"The programme is not limited to specific types of crimes," emphasised Counselor Mubarak. "It is based on the need to protect the safety of the victim or witness, ensuring they can provide their testimony without fear or intimidation."

In two notable cases, the programme extended its protection internationally. In one instance, the Public Prosecution Office requested the authorities of another country to protect a human trafficking victim and their family after they received death threats from relatives of a convicted individual.

In another case, the programme provided protection to children who were victims of international extortion by foreign suspects residing in Bahrain. The suspects were subsequently convicted and the identities of the children were concealed.

"The protection programme is essential for ensuring justice prevails," said Counselor Mubarak to our sister newspaper Alayam in an extended interview. "It allows victims and witnesses to participate in the legal process without fear, contributing to a fairer and more effective justice system."

Addressing Concerns about Organised Crime and Witness Protection:

"The protection programme is not solely focused on high-profile cases or organised crime," Counselor Mubarak clarified. "It is primarily concerned with ensuring the safety of victims and witnesses, regardless of the nature of the crime. This is crucial for ensuring that witnesses can provide accurate testimony without fear of retaliation. The law does not restrict the application of protection measures to specific types of crimes."

Specific Examples of Protection:

"Crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, crimes against children, and human trafficking often require the intervention of the Public Prosecution Office to provide protection," Counselor Mubarak stated. "These crimes have specific laws governing them, and the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses works closely with the Family and Child Prosecution Offices, as well as the Human Trafficking Prosecution Office, to ensure comprehensive protection."

Coordination with Other Agencies:

"In cases of human trafficking, where the victim is often also the witness, the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses at the Public Prosecution Office coordinates with the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses at the Labour Market Regulatory Authority," Counselor Mubarak said. "This ensures that all necessary protection measures are implemented, including relocation, identity change, and security protection."

Confidentiality and Responsibility:

"All investigative procedures and decisions related to the protection of victims and witnesses are confidential," Counselor Mubarak emphasised. "Disclosure of this information constitutes a crime punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years, especially if the perpetrator is a public official or someone entrusted with public service."

Awareness and Accessibility:

"While knowledge of the law is essential, it is also crucial for investigators to assess the situation of victims and witnesses," Counselor Mubarak explained. "If there are any perceived risks, investigators must inform the victim or witness and prepare a report for the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses. The Public Prosecution Office also actively promotes awareness through social media campaigns, press conferences, and television interviews to inform the public about the role and functions of the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses."

International Cooperation:

"In cases involving cross-border crimes, the Public Prosecution Office can request judicial assistance from foreign authorities to conduct investigations, gather evidence, or implement protective measures," Counselor Mubarak stated. "The Public Prosecution Office has already requested protection for a human trafficking victim and their family in another country after they received death threats. In another case, the Office provided protection to children who were victims of international extortion by foreign suspects residing in Bahrain."