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Statement by NIHR Chairman on the Abolition of Article (353) of the Penal Code

Eng. Ali Ahmed Al-Derazi, Chairman of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), has stated that the legislative authority’s approval to scrap Article (353) of the Penal Code is consistent with the visions submitted by the NIHR to the House of Representatives in 2020, which recommended considering rape as a punishable crime, being a crime of assault on honour, public freedom, and the sanctity of the human body, as it causes physical and psychological damages that are difficult to recover from it for a long time.

Al-Derazi added that although rape cases are not widespread in Bahrain thanks to social awareness and security efforts, the abolition of the aforementioned article would contribute to deterring potential criminals and strengthening the principle of non-impunity.  It would also lift the pressure on the affected woman, which may sometimes lead her to accept the fait accompli in the event of assault, as well as exempt the perpetrator from the consequences of his crime by marrying his victim.

He pointed out that the abolition of this article is consistent with international conventions on the elimination of discrimination against women in general, and the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of women, in particular, adding that the move places Bahrain alongside developed countries with regard to supporting women and protecting their dignity and rights.  He affirmed the NIHR's support for all efforts that contribute to raising the levels of protection for women and enhancing family and community security and stability.