BJNN 23 Nov 2010 The Bahrain Center for Human Rights says that children were among the victims of the latest crackdown on pro-democracy activists in the Persian Gulf state.

The rights body said in a report on Tuesday that there were 76 children among the detainees from the latest crackdown, accounting for one fifth of the total number of 355.

According to the report, children have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, continuous kidnappings as well as physical, psychological and sexual torture.

The report raises concerns about the future of the children prisoners who will be deprived of their education.

In Bahrain, people over 21 years are eligible to participate in the election, but the authorities hold children, who have reached the age of 15, fully responsible for committing crimes like adults.

The Bahraini government has begun a crackdown on Shia people, which dominate the country’s demographic map.

The Shias have long complained about being discriminated against by the Sunni-dominated government when it comes to employment opportunities and the right to services.

The government has been accused of coming down hard on the Shia opposition and human rights activists.