Scores of Bahraini children have been deprived of their liberty in connection with ongoing anti-government protests, which have engulfed the country since February 2011. The authorities have taken extreme measures to deal with children who they accuse of being in conflict with the law. They have also treated children like adults. In doing so, they disregard international standards for juvenile justice. Children have the right to freedom of expression and assembly and those who might be in conflict with the law must be treated in accordance with juvenile justice principles.
