Chief of Public Security Major-General Tariq Al Hassan announced on Tuesday that the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society has submitted a request to the Capital Governorate Police Directorate to organize a procession in downtown Manama on Wednesday evening, January 25, 2012.
The proposed procession, organized by Al Wefaq and several other political societies, would take place between the Ras Ruman mosque and Bab Al Bahrain.
The Public Security Chief said that requesting approval for a procession that would occur at the same time and location as previous unauthorized processions reflects a determination to break the law on the part of the organizers, adding that the proposed location is a busy commercial area, traffic will be hindered, peoples’ security and interests will be disturbed and there will be a risk to civil peace.
The Major-General highlighted the strong commitment of the police to adhere to the law when dealing with any incident. Hence, according to the Public Gathering Law, it was decided not to approve the procession. He affirmed that practising freedom of expression through gatherings, processions and other public activities should be carried out according to the Constitution and law of Bahrain.
He reminded the public that the Ministry of Interior is responsible for protecting life and property as well as keeping peace, stressing that public gatherings and exercise of freedom of speech are allowed unless they endangers the public or have negative effects on the economic interests of the country.
The Major-General concluded by stating that if the procession goes ahead, it will do so in violation of the law. If necessary, the police will act within the law to maintain security and order. TheMajor-General also stated that he holds the organizers of the event responsible for the conduct of those participating in the procession.