The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) received 15 complaints during the last third of 2025, according to a report released by the agency yesterday.
Ten complainants were referred to the Forensic and Psychiatric Medicine Division, and the statements of 29 complainants and witnesses and 25 accused and suspects were heard during the period.
The SIU is primarily responsible for probing claims of mistreatment by Public Security Forces personnel, including abuse, use of excessive force and torture.
The unit was established in 2012 following recommendations by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, with a mandate to investigate claims of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment at the hands of the security forces.
During the first quarter of 2025, reported in May, the SIU received 17 complaints, seven of which were referred to the Forensic and Psychiatric Medicine Division.
The unit recorded the statements of 36 complainants and witnesses, and 49 accused and suspects.
In the second quarter in September, 17 complaints were received, of which nine were referred to the Forensic and Psychiatric Medicine Division.
The statements of 31 complainants and witnesses and 30 accused and suspects were heard.
Investigations included cases related to alleged ill-treatment, and a member of the Public Security force was referred to the Interior Ministry’s Military Courts Directorate.
During the second quarter, the unit also concluded its investigations into two separate complaints and referred the accused officers to the directorate for disciplinary action.
Finally, in the third quarter report released yesterday, SIU received 15 complaints and 10 of them were referred to the Forensic and Psychiatric Medicine Division.
The statements of 29 complainants and witnesses and 25 accused and suspects were heard.
In 2024, a total of 39 complaints were received by the government watchdog. It involved 51 individuals, 35 of whom were Bahraini and 16 were of other nationalities.
Only one of the plaintiffs was a woman, and eight were under the age of 18.
The SIU has made it easy and accessible to lodge complaints by simply filling out a form on their website www.siu.gov.bh.
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