The Public Prosecution Office in Bahrain has implemented a comprehensive programme to protect victims and witnesses in criminal cases, ensuring their safety and facilitating their participation in the justice system. Led by Counselor Amina Isa Mubarak, the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses has provided protection to 23 individuals involved in various cases, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, crimes against children, and human trafficking. The programme offers measures like relocation, identity change, and security protection based on the assessment of the threat level to the individuals or their families. It aims to enable victims and witnesses to provide their testimonies without fear or intimidation, contributing to a fairer and more effective justice system.
The programme is not limited to specific types of crimes but focuses on safeguarding the safety of victims and witnesses, regardless of the nature of the crime. Counselor Mubarak emphasized that this is vital for ensuring witnesses can give accurate testimonies without the fear of retaliation. In cases of international protection, the Public Prosecution Office has successfully extended its services to victims and witnesses abroad. For instance, they have sought protection for a human trafficking victim and their family in another country due to threats from the relatives of a convicted individual. The programme has also provided security measures for children facing international extortion by foreign suspects in Bahrain, ensuring their identities remain confidential.
To ensure comprehensive protection in cases like human trafficking, the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses collaborates with other agencies such as the Family and Child Prosecution Offices and the Human Trafficking Prosecution Office. Coordination with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority is crucial in cases where the victim is also the witness, ensuring all necessary protection measures, including relocation and identity change, are implemented. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the investigative procedures and decisions related to the protection of victims and witnesses, with harsh penalties for any information disclosure.
Awareness about victim and witness protection is essential for law enforcement agencies and investigators. Counselor Mubarak highlighted the importance of assessing the risks faced by victims and witnesses, informing them of potential threats, and preparing reports for the Office of the Protection of Victims and Witnesses if necessary. The Public Prosecution Office actively engages in social media campaigns, press conferences, and television interviews to educate the public about the role and functions of the protection programme. International cooperation is also crucial in cross-border crimes, allowing the Public Prosecution Office to seek judicial assistance from foreign authorities to conduct investigations, gather evidence, and implement protective measures.
In conclusion, the Protection of Victims and Witnesses programme implemented by the Public Prosecution Office in Bahrain plays a significant role in safeguarding the rights and safety of individuals involved in criminal cases. By providing comprehensive protection measures, including relocation, identity change, and security protection, the programme enables victims and witnesses to participate in the legal process without fear or intimidation. Collaborating with other agencies and promoting awareness about victim protection are essential components of a fair and effective justice system. International cooperation further strengthens the programme’s reach, allowing for protection measures to be extended to victims and witnesses facing threats abroad.
