Human Rights Watch Report: Bahrain Used Torture in Interrogation with Suspects

Local Editor

A Human Rights Watch report on torture in Bahrain found that "Since the end of 2007 officials again have used torture and ill-treatment, particularly during the interrogation of security suspects. Human Rights Watch's conclusion is based on interviews with former detainees and others, as well as its review of government documents."

"Security officials appear to have utilized a specific repertoire of techniques against many of those arrested designed to inflict pain and elicit confessions. These techniques included the use of electro-shock devices, suspension in painful positions, beating the soles of the feet (falaka) and beatings of the head, torso, and limbs," the report said.

"Some detainees also reported that security officials had threatened to kill them or to rape them or members of their families."