The National Commission formed to implement the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report met on Wednesday and reviewed a number of communications from the Government, as well as the steps taken towards implementing key recommendations related to the Ministry of Interior, Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF), and the National Security Agency (NSA).
The Minister of Interior has ordered the Chief of public security to take several measures and actions with the assistance of international experts related to BICI 1722, item C. These include the order to design and institute a legal training course for public security personnel in order to enhance the protection of human rights, especially in the context of public order, detention and interrogation. Secondly, is the development and institution of a Police Code of Conduct in compliance with UN best practices, including the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials.
MOI Police training programs for security officers will be held with the assistance of two international experts in the area of police and security, John Timoney from the United States, and John Yates from the United Kingdom. The Bahrain Defense Force will develop similar programmes. Moreover, in accordance with recommendation No. 1718, the NSA will no longer have the authority to enforce the law, detain or arrest suspects.
In compliance with recommendation 1722 (item G), the Government indicated that on 22 December 2011, the Minister of Interior designated that all steps be taken (including ordering of the relevant equipment) to enable the audiovisual recordings of all official interviews with suspects, witnesses or detained persons. The order further instructed the Inspector General to take all necessary steps to guarantee the rights of all suspects to: (i) not be held incommunicado; (ii) be shown a warrant upon arrest; (iii) be given prompt access to their lawyers; and (iv) allowed family visits in accordance with the Bahrain Code of Criminal Procedure.
In regards to recommendation 1719, the transfer of military cases involving accusations of death, torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment have all been referred to the Public Prosecutor. Additionally, the Judicial Authority is in the process of drafting necessary amendments to the laws in response to the recommendations.
In response to recommendation 1723 for the reinstatement of employees in the private sector, NC Chairman Ali Saleh Al-Saleh stated that private companies have started to implement this recommendation and a number of employees have been reinstated. Additionally, staff dismissed from the General Secretariat in the Parliament will all be reinstated to their jobs as of January 2, 2012, excluding those involved in criminal cases and acts of violence until a final verdict is reached in those cases.
A delegation of internationally prominent jurists and experts from the United Kingdom are in Bahrain in order to study and advise on issues relating to interpretation of specific legal terminology used in the report in recommendations 1716 and 1722 (item B).