‘Security at places of worship vital’

Manama : The Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan, announced yesterday that the public security force is committed to protecting the safety and security of the nation.

The Chief said he has zero tolerance for people, who break the law using violence or by damaging property with the intention of intimidating others.

Al Hassan stressed that the police operate in accordance with international agreements and norms, including the freedom of religion and worship, which is also protected by the constitution. 

Towards that effort, the police will continue to protect and maintain order around mosques and other religious institutions to ensure the safety of worshippers and the public.

He reported that all worshippers performed Friday prayer peacefully throughout the country. This included the residents of Deraz who, contrary to the rumours on social media, reached their mosque on time. 

The Chief said there had been anonymous calls to close one mosque and for those worshippers to attend a different mosque. “This was done to exploit both places of worship and threaten security. This will not be accepted.”

Al Hassan added that an investigation was launched to identify the perpetrators. Those with any information have been asked to call the police hotline at 80008008.  All calls will be treated as anonymous.