The released detainees will not face any criminal charges anymore, according to the Government.
The Government has released 308 prisoners and detainees under the Royal amnesty announced as part of fulfilling one of the demands of the opposition-led protesters.
“None of the individuals released will face criminal proceedings relating to the offence for which they were being held,” Maysoon Sabkar the IAA spokesperson told the media briefing on Thursday.
“Following a decree from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued on Monday 21 February, the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of Interior yesterday coordinated the release of a total 308 detainees and convicts,” she said.
“The Government took a serious note of alleged mistreatment claims by detainees while in custody. The Government of Bahrain takes allegations of mistreatment extremely seriously and is committed to thoroughly investigating all and any claims made,” she said.
She said that there was a defined mechanism in place with the Public Prosecution and the Ministry of the Interior to investigate all allegations of mistreatment and complainants are reminded of this legal right.
Regarding protests that took place over the past 48 hours, she said, there was a large gathering on Tuesday from Bahrain Mall to the Pearl Roundabout along Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman highway and that passed off peacefully and without incident.
“Reports of 60 bodies being removed by mortuary trucks have also been shown to be categorically false and opposition groups have confirmed that all suspected missing have been located and identified.”
“Reports of a six year old girl shot in the rib cage appear to have emanated from images circulated online, which have been identified as a girl from the Philippines who was mauled by a tiger.”
“I can reconfirm that no children were admitted to hospital in relation to the events of the past week, although five were known to suffer from tear gas inhalation, but were immediately treated and discharged,” she said.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa met with the UK’s Lord Astor of Hever, UK Undersecretary of State for Defence.
“His Majesty the King met with His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince on Tuesday 22nd February. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Premiers, Shura Council president and his deputies, Parliament chairman and his deputies and members of the Supreme Judicial Council,” she explained.
His Majesty the King said at the meeting that the national dialogue provides a platform for all parties to contribute and participate in the reform march on the basis of national consensus.
His Majesty the King urged all parties to engage in the national dialogue and participate in the reform march. His Majesty the King also extended condolences to the families left bereaved of their beloved ones following the recent regrettable incidents. He prayed that Allah Almighty rest their souls in eternal peace and also wished the injured quick recoveries.
She said that the Crown Prince reaffirmed the commitment to the national dialogue, describing Bahrain as a land of tolerance, co-existence and rejection of sectarianism
and stated that the reform initiated by His Majesty the King would continue.
“The CP emphasized that all Bahrainis belonged to the same nation and shared bonds of national unity.”
“Talks with representatives of Bahrain society and the Crown Prince continue and positive progress is being made towards the commencement of the national dialogue,” she added.