Ombudsman investigating allegations of sexual assault

Manama : The Independent Ombudsman for the National Security Agency (NSA) yesterday met the husband of Ebtisam Al Saegh as part of an ongoing investigation into the allegations of mistreatment and sexual assault doing rounds on social media channels. 

Reports circulating on various social media channels also raised concerns regarding the condition of Bahraini national Ebtisam Al-Saegh, who is under trial in a terror case. 

Responding to the reports, the husband of Ebtisam Al Saegh said that he had been very upset with the allegations that his wife had been raped, something she had not mentioned to him at any point.

The NSA Ombudsman said that such allegations, if founded, will result in strict adherence to the law and guidelines governing professional behaviour. 

The case was opened proactively by the NSA Ombudsman to investigate claims of violations. As part of the investigation, NSA has dispatched investigators and commenced interviews with relevant parties. The investigators also gathered and reviewed documents and material such as arrest records, statements, and CCTV footage from the point of arrest.

Separately, National Security Agency (NSA) Inspector-General Mohammed Rashid Abdullah Al Rumaihi held discussions with the husband of Ebtisam Al Saegh to find out the truth behind such reports, although no official complaint has been filed in this regard. Council of Representatives First Deputy Speaker Ali Al Aradi and Member Khalid Al Shaer attended the meeting.

Al Rumaihi stressed that while NSA has the right to take legal action against those behind any baseless allegation, the Public Prosecution is the investigating body and people with evidence should submit it to it, instead of posting allegations on websites and on social media, which is in itself a crime punishable under Article 364 and 365 of the Penal Code that stipulates a jail term and a fine.

Ebtisam Al-Saegh’s husband appreciated the NSA’s initiative and resolve to probe all complaints and praised the Inspector-General for his assurance to protect rights.