Workshop on handling abuse allegations

TDT | Manama

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A specialised workshop on the revised Istanbul Protocol opened yesterday at the Judicial and Legal Studies Institute, with the aim of improving how allegations of torture and ill-treatment are documented and examined in Bahrain.

The event, organised by the Special Investigation Unit, brings together representatives from bodies involved in law enforcement and criminal justice, as well as a number of civil society organisations.

His Excellency Attorney General Dr Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainain opened the workshop.

Sessions

Organisers said the sessions introduce the Istanbul Protocol and its 2022 revised edition, setting out the main changes from the earlier version.

The programme also focuses on practical skills for documenting cases in line with international standards and on closer coordination between the bodies involved.

In his opening remarks, Dr Al Buainain said Bahrain has made major progress in protecting human rights through updated legislation, supported by independent national institutions and established policies that reinforce respect for human dignity.

He said these steps have helped develop the criminal justice system by activating oversight and accountability measures and by building preventive checks within law enforcement.

He also praised the Special Investigation Unit’s ongoing work to bring its methods into line with international standards through training, specialised events and organisational development, describing this as a way to strengthen trust in its procedures and to support investigations based on professionalism and impartiality.

Acting Chief Public Prosecutor and Head of the Special Investigation Unit Mohammed Khalid Al Hazzaa said the Istanbul Protocol remains the leading international reference for documenting allegations of torture and ill-treatment.

Justice

He said the 2022 update keeps pace with advances in science and human rights work, drawing on medical, psychological and legal expertise within a single, structured approach that supports victims and helps them reach justice.

The agenda includes sessions introducing the Protocol, the international legal rules linked to it, and medical and psychological examination methods, alongside discussion of Bahrain’s experience in applying the Protocol and ways to develop that work further.