SIU succeeds in upholding justice

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Bahrain Public Prosecution Office reported on its activities during the final three months of 2024.

The report, released by Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza, Acting Attorney-General and Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Chief, details significant achievements in upholding the rule of law and promoting human rights.

As per the report, the SIU received 12 complaints during this period; all alleging violations within its specialised jurisdiction.

Each complaint triggered a prompt investigation.

These investigations involved interviewing 25 complainants and witnesses, and questioning 20 suspects and individuals from the public security forces.

“Seven complainants were referred to the forensic medicine and psychological support department for further assessment,” the report revealed.

Progress

Moreover, significant progress was made in several cases.

“One case, initiated by a complaint received via social media, led to the conviction of a member of the public security forces. The individual received a six-month prison sentence from the Lower Criminal Court on November 13, 2024, a sentence upheld by the Appeals Court,” the report stated, adding: “In two separate cases, the SIU concluded investigations and referred two members of the public security forces to the Ministry of Interior’s Military Courts for disciplinary action. This followed findings that substantiated the allegations against them. Furthermore, disciplinary actions were issued against two other members of public security forces in cases previously referred to the Military Courts.”

The SIU’s commitment to human rights was further demonstrated through its active participation in a significant event.

“On December 10, 2024, coinciding with International Human Rights Day and the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention against Torture, the SIU, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a discussion session titled +Human Rights in the Bahraini Criminal Justice System – Achievements, Experiences, and Future Outlook+. This session, attended by 60 participants from various national institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations, focused on Bahrain’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards, the evolution of national legislation, and strategies for future improvements.”