Trial date set in flesh trade case

The Public Prosecution yesterday announced that it has completed its investigations into the case involving two female victims, who were forced to work in flesh trade here. This was announced by Capital Governorate Chief Prosecutor Ahmed Al Ansari, who also confirmed that the case was referred to the High Criminal Court and that the first trial will be on April 14, 2019.

The details of the case, as revealed by Mr Al Ansari, show that the two victims applied for a job in Bahrain, after seeing an ad posted online by one of the suspects, a female, who’s involved in the case. Both of the victims contacted the suspect, who facilitated their entry to the Kingdom after completing all the required formalities, such as visa issuance and booking the victims’ flight.

Upon their arrival, both victims were taken to a hotel in Manama, where they were locked and forced to have sex with different people in return of certain amounts. However, one of the victims was able to call the embassy of their country here. The embassy notified the police about the incident and the women were soon rescued, while several suspects involved in a prostitution ring were arrested.

Two of the arrestees were employees at the hotel who facilitated the process by inviting the customers to the victims’ rooms. A third man who was arrested confessed that his mission was to collect the amounts from customers and delivering it to the female suspect who brought the women to the Kingdom.

Mr Al Ansari stated that the Public Prosecution interrogated the suspects and heard the testimonies of the victims and witnesses. He also confirmed that the prosecution has reviewed the police report before referring the suspects to court on the charges of human trafficking.

All suspects were ordered to remain behind bars until a verdict is issued by the court. The nationalities of the individuals involved in the case were not disclosed.