*** Bahrain Court Begins Trial in Alleged Human Trafficking of Teen Sisters | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain Court Begins Trial in Alleged Human Trafficking of Teen Sisters

TDT | Manama | Email : online@newsofbahrain.com

First High Criminal Court has begun the trial of a 32-year-old Asian man and a 40-year-old Asian woman accused of human trafficking and exploiting two underage sisters in prostitution.

Prosecutors alleged the defendants used coercion, threats and deception to force the two Asian victims, aged 16 and 17, into prostitution for financial gain.

According to court documents, police launched an investigation after receiving reports about a trafficking network exploiting minors in Bahrain. Investigators later confirmed the allegations.

The victims had reportedly travelled to Bahrain from another Gulf country after being promised work opportunities by an unidentified person.

Authorities said the defendants arranged clients and collected the money earned from the activities, while the victims allegedly received nothing. Prosecutors also said the suspects were aware that both girls were under the age of 18 and exploited their difficult financial circumstances.