‘Bahrain faced terrorist acts during BICI process’

Manama : Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa yesterday revealed that the Government had to confront acts of terrorism and violence while implementing the recommendations of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).

Outlining the strenuous efforts exerted to overcome the events which targeted Bahrain in early 2011, the Minister said that the follow-up reports issued in 2012, 2013 and 2014, in addition to the periodic monthly and annual reports details the serious and transparent procedures  undertaken by the government in compliance with the recommendations.

The Minister described the establishment of BICI as a unique initiative, which set a model for tackling such challenges. 

Shaikh Khalid also cited the Royal order that established the National committee in charge of implementing the BICI recommendations. 

Chaired by Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh, the panel included leading figures representing all social sectors, legal and legislative experts and representatives of political societies and NGOs. 

A Government taskforce chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and a panel presided over by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister was also set up to follow up the implementation of the recommendations.

The Minister also pointed out key initiatives undertaken by the Government, citing the establishment of the Special Investigation Unit, the Ombudsman, the office of the inspector-general at the National Security Agency, the retrials and review of verdicts before ordinary courts. 

The Minister further  stressed the Government’s commitment to reinstate students and employees and highlighted the amendments made to the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Penal Code, efforts made to train judges, prosecutors, law enforcers and lawyers, and to safeguard the right to construct worshipping venues legally without trespassing people’s properties. 

He cited the Government’s additional steps taken, including the establishment of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), to protect inmates against any violations.

The Minister paid tribute to HM the King for braving all the challenges and calling for the national dialogue. 

He also underlined the success of the by-elections which were held in 2011, two months after the parliamentary polls in 2010, a process that was further consolidated with the 2014 legislative polls.