Resident Coordinator in Bahrain on the Shura Council's vote to repeal Article 353 of the Penal Code

The Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Mr Khaled El Mekwad, welcomed the vote of the Shura Council to repeal Article 353 of the 1976 Penal Code, which allowed rapists to escape prosecution by marrying their victims.

"This reform will increase the protection of the fundamental rights of women and girls in Bahrain", Mr El Mekwad said.

"It also highlights Bahrain’s leadership on gender-inclusive sustainable development".