Bahrain’s Struggle with Organized Crime: Key Concerns

The Organized Crime Index report for Bahrain highlights several concerns regarding the country’s efforts to combat organized crime, corruption, and human trafficking. The report identifies key areas where Bahrain needs to improve its laws, policies, and practices to enhance its security and stability.

Corruption and Lenient Laws

• Bahrain has a robust legislative framework to counter organized crime, but its laws on arms use and trafficking have been criticized for being too lenient in terms of penalties.
• This leniency creates an environment where organized crime can thrive, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies to effectively combat these crimes.

Human Trafficking and the Kafala System

• The Kafala system, which restricts the freedom of movement of employees, has been criticized for its vulnerability to human trafficking.
• Bahrain has taken steps to enhance its cybersecurity and combat the trafficking of excise goods through a digital stamp scheme, but more needs to be done to address human trafficking.

Judicial System and Police Abuse

• Bahrain’s judicial system lacks a dedicated court to handle organized crime cases, and concerns about the judiciary’s independence persist due to political pressure.
• There are widespread reports of systemic police abuse, including torture, arbitrary detention, and sexual assault, which undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies.

Economic and Financial Environment

• The risk of money laundering and terrorist financing in Bahrain is currently moderate, but additional measures are needed to enhance resilience in the country’s economic and financial environment.
• This includes implementing stricter regulations and increasing transparency in financial transactions.

Civil Society and Social Protection

• Bahrain has taken significant steps towards combating modern slavery and human trafficking, but the Kafala sponsorship visa system has been criticized for giving employers excessive power over foreign workers.
• More needs to be done to protect the rights of migrant workers and ensure their safety and well-being.

Media Freedom

• The government exercises strict control over the media, resulting in severe restrictions on press freedom as well as freedom of assembly and expression.
• This limits the ability of citizens to access information and express their opinions freely, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

Overall, while Bahrain has made some progress in addressing organized crime and human trafficking, there are still significant concerns that need to be addressed to improve the country’s overall security and stability.