Security Chief talks tough on breach of law

Close on the heels of the clashes that erupted in some of the villages on Tuesday, mainly in the Northern Governorate and Western Area, Chief of Public Security Major General Tariq Al Hassan echoed a firm voice of zero tolerance on violation of law. 

Stressing that there is no compromise on public security, he said: Interior Ministry cannot ignore blatant violations of the law, regardless of when they may take place.” “It’s important that the police and the community work together to protect civil peace and religious freedom, as they’re safeguarded in the constitution.”

As reported on Wednesday, the clashes that occurred in several villages, including Aali, Karzakkan and Malikiya, were portrayed as the incitement of Public Security personnel, who removed black banners that were put up in the villages. The flags were claimed to be banners related to the Muharram commemorations.

However, it was revealed that some of the banners carried sectarian and political phrases that were not related to the religious event.

Al Hassan revealed that outlaws escalated conflicts with security forces, taking it to the extent of disguising as women to deceive the public and policemen. “One man who was wearing a woman’s Abaya (traditional black gown) tried to shoot two homemade bullets at police.” 

He said that “in accordance with the law, there are areas allocated for flags and banners.  Decorations in other areas that hinder traffic flow are removed along with political signs and decorations that are not related to Ashura.  Police have taken the video of the removal of all such items.”  

“Police presence during Ashura is deployed to protect participants, including ensuring the traffic flow and safety on roads. Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with legally. Before the beginning of the Ashura season, a number of meetings were held by the authorities to ensure a safe milieu is maintained during all events,” Al Hassan elaborated. 

His statements came in response to a press statementon issued on Tuesday by the Jaffaria Waqf Directorate (JWD) of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.

The directorate claimed that Ashura activities were being carried out legally in all areas, including Manama.

Al Hassan disagreed with the information mentioned in the statement, saying that “the main issue so far is the exploitation of Ashura events to damage public and private property and the lack of compliance with multiple notices to correct violations of the law.”

Meanwhile, religious leaders, parliamentarians and political parties in the Kingdom have called for maintaining the spirit of religious occasions by distancing them from political and sectarian purposes.