Prisons in Bahrain are fully owned and operated by the state. They are run by 3 different security forces, including the National Security Agency (NSA), the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and the Ministry of Interior (MoI). Administration of prisons is overseen by a number of judicial authorities, as well as the public prosecution.[1]: 43 Out of a total of 20 prisons, there are 4 main prisons, one of which is for women. The main prisons are: Al Qurain Prison (run by BDF), Dry Dock Detention Center, Juw Prison and Isa Town Detention Center for women (run by MoI).
During the periods 1975-1999 and 2007–2011, torture in prisons became widespread and systematic – leading to the deaths of up to 23 individuals.