The Hope Center for Human Rights and Justice expresses deep concern over the arrest of four Bahraini children for seven days pending investigation, and the violations affecting the basic legal safeguards enshrined in national legislation and international child rights standards.
1. Incident Details
According to the children’s families, the following children were summoned:
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Hassan Matar (15 years old)
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Abdulhadi Abdulzahra (17 years old)
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Ahmed Al-Karzakani (17 years old)
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Ali Abdullah (17 years old)
They were brought to Hamad City Police Station – Roundabout 17, and the next morning presented to the public prosecution without a lawyer or guardian present, and without notifying the families of the investigation schedule.
These actions clearly violate the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Law of 2021, which requires the presence of a legal representative and guardian during the interrogation of any child.
2. Violation of the Right to Education
The arrests occurred during a critical academic period immediately before the first semester exams.
Removing children from school at this stage disrupts their educational progress and creates a gap difficult to compensate later. Denying the child their daily educational environment and stability exposes them to psychological pressures inappropriate for their age, in clear violation of the “best interests of the child” principle, which is foundational in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and national laws.
3. Gap Between Legislation and Implementation
Despite the importance of Law No. (4) of 2021 in developing the juvenile justice system, this incident reflects shortcomings in implementation and continuation of traditional practices that do not respect the sensitivity of dealing with children.
Repeated summons of these children over the past year raises concerns about using summons and detention as a pressure tool rather than as an exceptional measure.
4. Missing Human Rights Standards
International standards on juvenile justice are clear:
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Detention should be a last resort.
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For the shortest possible period.
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In a safe environment respecting the child’s age and maturity.
What occurred contradicts these principles, exposing children to procedures inappropriate for their age and Bahrain’s legal obligations.
5. Recommendations of the Hope Center for Human Rights and Justice
The Center calls on Bahraini authorities to:
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Immediately release the children and drop any procedures not based on juvenile justice standards.
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Open an independent investigation into the circumstances of their interrogation without a lawyer or guardian.
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Ensure children are not repeatedly summoned except under clear and justified standards.
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Involve human rights institutions in monitoring the implementation of juvenile justice law to ensure effective protection of children.
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Activate psychological and educational support programs for those affected by detention procedures.