Bahrain’s Crackdown on Children: Shocking Report Exposes Torture of Minors for Supporting Gaza
Human rights report exposes Bahrain’s torture and abuse of detained children amid a crackdown on Gaza supporters.
Watan-A shocking new report has exposed severe human rights violations against detained children in Bahrain, as the government intensifies its crackdown, particularly targeting minors who have expressed solidarity with Gaza. Despite a royal pardon that included some minors, arrests have not only continued but have become more severe, with reports of children being subjected to torture and ill-treatment in prison.
Escalating Arrests of Minors
Bahraini authorities have not limited their crackdown to political activists but have also detained children who committed no crime other than expressing their opinions or participating in peaceful protests. A report by an international human rights coalition, including Human Rights Watch and Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB), documents the arrest of 11 minors without judicial warrants, exposing them to psychological and physical torture, as well as prolonged detention without a fair trial.
Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, arbitrary arrests in Bahrain have escalated, with 32 minors detained between August and December 2023. Detainees have faced beatings, threats, and the confiscation of personal belongings. The report highlights that 344 individuals have been arrested for expressing solidarity with Gaza, including a significant number of children who are enduring horrific conditions in Al-Hod Al-Jaf Prison. These include denial of healthcare and education, malnutrition, and severe overcrowding in prison cells.
Royal Pardon and Human Rights Criticism
In April 2024, Bahrain’s King issued a royal decree pardoning 1,584 prisoners. However, the pardon did not include cases classified as “state security” offenses, which human rights organizations have condemned as a superficial attempt to improve the government’s image. Human Rights Watch has called on Bahraini authorities to immediately release all detained children, hold those responsible for torture accountable, and improve prison conditions, which have been described as inhumane.
Will Bahrain Face International Pressure?
As the world expresses solidarity with Palestinian children in Gaza, Bahraini authorities continue to detain their own children simply for showing support. The critical question remains: Will this oppressive policy persist, or will international pressure force Bahrain to end these serious violations against minors?
