Bahrain admits using 'excessive force' against anti-government protesters

[News_Editor]

Bahrain admits using 'excessive force' against anti-government protesters

2011-11-22 17:19:36 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANAMA (BNO NEWS) -- The Bahraini government admitted in a statement on Tuesday that it used 'excessive force' against pro-democracy protesters and mistreated detainees during protests earlier this year.

The statement was issued days before the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry set up by King Hamad al-Khalifa releases a report on police actions during the February crackdown. "Regrettably, there have been instances of excessive force and mistreatment of detainees," the statement said.

"We cannot condone mistreatment and abuses by our officials. There will be no impunity. All those responsible for abuses will be held accountable," the Bahrain Information Affairs Authority said in its statement.

According to the statement, Bahraini prosecutors have already launched 20 prosecutions against police officers who were allegedly involved in the abuse. It also said four police officers were killed during the unrest while 846 others were injured.

"Our police forces have generally shown admirable restraint when faced with great provocation. Every civilian casualty is a defeat for the government. The extremists know this, and have engaged in reckless provocation," the statement alleged.

The government also announced two new amendments to current laws which include the criminalization of all forms of torture and the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution. It also announced a special fund for victims to ensure that those who suffered during the violent events of February and March are 'rightly compensated.'

Bahrain's social unrest began after protesters called for a "Day of Rage" on February 14 to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter, which returned the country to constitutional rule after the 1990s uprisings.

Initially, people took to the streets to demand reform and the introduction of a constitutional monarchy, but later they began to call for the removal of the royal family. Bahrain is ruled by the Sunni Muslim al-Khalifa family, but two-thirds of its population is Shiite.

In March, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait deployed their troops to Bahrain to reinforce a massive armed crackdown on the popular uprising. More than 25 people were killed, hundreds were arrested and thousands were injured in the government-authorized violence.

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