Inquiry: Bahrain Forces Tortured Protesters, No Link to Iran

Local Editor

Bahrain's king vowed reforms on Wednesday after a commission of inquiry found that his security forces used "excessive force" and tortured detainees in a March crackdown on peaceful protests. King Hamad commissioned the report to investigate allegations of government misconduct and human rights abuses against protesters, democracy activists, and opposition figures. On Wednesday he vowed there would be reforms. "We will introduce and implement reforms that would please all segments of our society," the Ben-Khalifa said after the findings were released. He also expressed "dismay" at the mistreatment of detainees. "We do not tolerate the mistreatment of detainees and prisoners. We are dismayed to find that it has occurred, as your report has found," he said. Responding earlier to the findings of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, an official spokesman also said the government accepts the criticisms. "The government welcomes the findings of the Independent Commission, and acknowledges its criticisms," a statement said. "We took the initiative in asking for this thorough and detailed inquiry to seek the truth and we accept it." The report also acknowledged that the commission did not find proof of an Iran link to the unrest, dispelling widespread allegations by Gulf leaders that Iran played a role in instigating the mainly Shiite protests. "Evidence presented to the commission did not prove a clear link between the events in Bahrain and Iran," said Cherif Bassiouni, the commission's lead investigator. The peaceful mass demonstrations which rocked the kingdom earlier this year were violently crushed as government forces used live ammunition and heavy-handed tactics to scatter protesters. Bassiouni said the death toll from the month-long unrest reached 35, including five security personnel. Hundreds more were injured. International organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the U.N. human rights agency, have repeatedly accused the government of violating citizens' rights, citing allegations of torture, unfair trials, excessive use of force and violent repression. Investigations conducted by the panel commissioned by Ben-Khalifa revealed that security forces "used excessive force" while "many detainees were tortured," Bassiouni said. In March, Bahraini security forces boosted by some 1,000 Gulf troops crushed the month-long uprising in Manama's Pearl Square, epicenter of the peaceful anti-government movement. Iran and fellows across the Arab world had slammed the Bahraini government for calling in forces from fellow monarchies, saying the Saudi-led force was used against Bahrainis. Renewed Clashes The report's findings were released hours after clashes in at least two villages on the outskirts of Manama. Protests erupted early morning in Aali village where rights activists said police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. "I saw the police attack. There were a few dozen protesters shouting and chanting. The police attacked them with tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound bombs," said Mohammed Maskati, head of the Bahraini Youth Society for Human Rights. Nabil Rajab, a rights and opposition activist, said the victim, Abdul Nabi Kadhim, was "apparently not protesting. He was in his car when then police chased after him." In an online tweet, the interior ministry said a man died in a traffic accident in Aali, adding an investigation was under way. The tweet made no mention of police involvement. Clashes also erupted in the island of Sitra where mourners protested over the November 19 death of a 16-year-old boy killed after being struck by a police car, witnesses said. Tensions have remained high since the March crackdown, particularly in the villages where residents complain of years of marginalization.

Source: Websites Bahrain’s Commission of Inquiry Report: Whitewashing a Counter-Revolution?

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