Vandal attacks increase ahead of NAC anniversary

Even as the 15th anniversary of the National Action Charter (NAC) is approaching,  vandals have continued their attempts to disrupt the February 14 celebrations of the national event, despite warnings from the security authorities.

As reported during the past few days, schools have been systematically targeted by miscreants, who repeatedly blocked the roads leading to schools in several areas in the country.

The latest was reported on Thursday when a group of unidentified individuals nailed iron rods to the streets leading to a primary girls’ school in the Northern Governorate.

“Within the series of vandalism acts that are currently targeting public educational institutions in the country, terrorists fixed iron rods to the roads that are leading to Saar Elementary Girls’ School, in a desperate attempt to hinder the traffic flow on these streets and prevent teachers and students from attending classes. The concerned security authorities were informed about this act of terrorism,” Education Ministry said in a press statement yesterday.

The attack was the second to be reported at the same school within one week, as vandals showered it with
rocks last week and caused several damage to the institution.

Thursday’s incident followed several similar attacks and roadblocks that specifically targeted elementary schools in different parts of the Kingdom, including Eker, Al Daih, Seqaya and Aali.

It’s worth mentioning that majority of the academic staff at public elementary schools in Bahrain are women.

Chief of Public Security Major-General Tariq Al Hassan last week warned in a statement of disrupting order during the national ceremonies.

“As part of the commemorations marking the anniversary of the National Action Charter, any calls to disrupt security and general order in Bahrain is a crime under the law. Anyone who responds to such calls and engages in illegal behaviour will be held legally accountable,” said Maj. Gen. Al Hassan.

 “The police are monitoring illegal calls aimed at terrorising the public and disrupting general order,” he added, “They will confront anyone aiming to upset the stability of the nation.”