Human trafficking suspects held in Bahrain

Manama

The Public Prosecution yesterday announced that it had recently detained and interrogated two Asian women who are accused of forcing a fellow countrywoman into practising prostitution. Chief Prosecutor Hussain Al Herz confirmed in a statement that the suspects will stand trial before the Fourth High Criminal Court today on charges of human trafficking and illegal detention of the victim. Al Herz explained that one of the suspects had persuaded the victim by promising her a job in Bahrain and transferred money to her so she would be able to travel to the Kingdom.

According to the victim, she was received by one of the suspects upon arrival in Bahrain. She also claimed that the suspects took her to several hotels and furnished apartments, where she said she was forced to practise prostitution. The victim told the interrogators that one of the suspects told her she must have sexual intercourse with clients to cover for the expenses of her recruitment. She added that the suspects would lure customers and collect money from them in return for having sexual intercourse with the victim. According to police investigations, the victim managed to escape, with the help of an individual, and reported the matter to the nearest police station.

A police force immediately investigated the matter and arrested the defendants. Al Herz clarified that the Public Prosecution launched its investigation procedures as soon as the case was received from the police station. He also said that the prosecution heard the victim’s statements and ordered to admit her in the Expats Protection Centre (Anti-human Trafficking Shelter) in Northern Sehla. “The prosecution heard the testimonies of witnesses, interrogated both suspects and ordered them to be held in custody, while the case was referred to the criminal court, which will review the case today,” the Chief Prosecutor added.