SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights Oral intervention The UN 8th Minority issues Forum 24-25th November 2015 Session topic: Addressing the root cause of discrimination in the criminal justice system Delivered by: Jawad Fairooz SALAM has seen first-hand, and documented, acts of discrimination towards minorities in the gulf region. From our research we have uncovered; Bahrain’ Shia continued to face systematic discrimination and intolerance tied to a variety of factors, including historical perceptions and ongoing suspicions of foreign influences on their actions. While they coexisted with their Sunni citizens in relative peace, most Shi'a shared general concerns about discrimination in education, employment, political representation, the judiciary, religious practice and media. Little or no racial discrimination is stated in the criminal law. Instead, sectarian differences emerge from deeply rooted, self-fulfilling stereotypes and assumptions. The unequal treatment of Shias in Bahrain criminal justice system begins at the very first stage of that system: the investigation of suspected criminal activity by law enforcement agents. Police departments excessively target Shias as criminal suspects, and too often the police employ tactics against Shias that simply shock the conscience. Verbal abuse detainees were subjected to some form of verbal abuse during detention. The majority of detainees were Shia and the alleged insults frequently related to Shia practices and religious or political figures. Much of the hostility between Shia communities and the police can be traced to the under-representation of Shias in law enforcement. The Bahrain’ Shia representation occupy a proportion of only 15% of the executive branch, 12% of the judiciary, 10% of government bodies and companies, and only 1% of the King’s guard and security apparatus, which includes the army. Between 2011 and 2013, positions for public office like judges, ministers and advisers have been directly appointed by the orders of the King Recommendations