A new report by Human Rights Watch accuses security forces in the Gulf island nation of Bahrain of routinely detaining children without cause and imposing “ill-treatment that may rise to the level of torture.” According to the report, children in Bahrain are often held for long periods of time, threatened with torture and beaten. The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights recorded 15 detentions of children suspected of involvement in pro-democracy protests in the month of August alone. The report came amid clashes between protesters and security forces following the death of a 22-year-old protester. Bahrain is a key U.S. ally and home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.