Bahrain Struggles to Combat Organized Crime Despite Proactive Efforts

Despite being a proactive player in combating organized crime, Bahrain’s efforts have been deemed ineffective in tackling certain criminal markets, particularly drug trafficking.

Political Representation Marred by Controversy

The country’s political representation has also been marred by controversy, with pro-democracy movements and opposition groups accusing the government of inadequate representation and an unfair electoral system. Since 2011, opposition groups and political societies have been dissolved or banned, leading to an environment where the government dominates the political landscape and opposition voices are silenced.

Corruption Remains a Significant Issue

Corruption remains a significant issue in Bahrain, with allegations of large-scale corruption and embezzlement of funds involving senior officials from the ruling regime. The country’s legislative framework to counter organized crime has been criticized for being too lenient in terms of penalties.

Judicial System Lacks Effectiveness

Bahrain’s judicial system lacks a dedicated court to handle organized crime cases, and there have been reports of prison officials accepting bribes. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about harsh prison conditions, including instances of torture, abuse, and medical negligence.

Police Abuse and Repression

The country’s location as an island nation has provided an advantage in reducing various forms of trafficking, but Bahrain is still considered one of the most repressive states in the region. Police abuse, arbitrary detention, and sexual assault are widespread, and prosecutors and judges have been accused of enabling these abuses.

Economic Vulnerabilities

Bahrain’s economy continues to heavily depend on oil revenues, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices. The country has made significant progress in resolving insolvency in recent years, but the size of its informal sector remains unclear.

Government Efforts to Combat Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

The government has taken steps to combat modern slavery and human trafficking, establishing a fund to assist victims and setting up hotlines to report crimes. However, the Kafala sponsorship visa system has been criticized for giving employers excessive power over foreign workers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

Restrictions on Press Freedom and Freedom of Assembly and Expression

Despite these challenges, Bahrain’s government exercises strict control over the media, resulting in severe restrictions on press freedom and freedom of assembly and expression. Journalists and social media users who report on sensitive issues are at risk of harassment, arrest, and threats.

Funding Disclosure

The US Department of State has funded this summary as part of its efforts to combat organized crime worldwide. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the US Department of State.