Suspect held over online child sexual exploitation

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A suspect has been remanded in custody pending investigation after being accused of sexually exploiting a child through social media platforms, Bahrain’s Public Prosecution said.

According to the Deputy Head of the Family and Child Prosecution, the suspect allegedly sent sexually explicit images to the child and requested the victim to take and share indecent photos.

The case emerged after a report was filed by the Child Protection Unit at the General Directorate for Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, stating that an unknown individual had approached a child online, sent inappropriate images, and urged the victim to engage in explicit acts by sharing photos.

Authorities said intensive investigations confirmed the incident and led to the identification of the suspect.

Findings also indicated that the accused had a pattern of committing similar offences and exploiting children online.

Prosecutors immediately launched an investigation, taking the child’s testimony under a witness protection framework to ensure confidentiality and safeguard the victim’s identity.

The suspect was questioned, and authorities ordered a forensic examination of his seized mobile phone before placing him in pretrial detention pending referral to the criminal court.

The Public Prosecution reaffirmed its commitment to taking strict legal action against anyone who exploits digital platforms to harm children or violate their rights.

It stressed that Bahrain has a comprehensive legal framework that imposes severe penalties, including imprisonment, for sexual offences against minors.