“Rioters blocked roads, hindered traffic in order to impede access to specific areas,” he said. “Once the police arrived on the scenes, they were attacked.”
“Groups of attackers hurled petrol bombs, iron rods and rocks. The police accordingly dispersed the crowds in order to restore civil order.”
He reaffirmed that there will be no tolerance for vandalism and acts of violence, and that enforcing existing laws is the only solution.
Chief Hassan said that a number of rioters were arrested for blocking traffic on Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Road. He explained that the police warned those several times to disperse but they continued throwing rocks at the police. “The police then legally dispersed the crowd and detained several of the attackers, who were then referred to Public Prosecution.”
Another group of vandals set fire to an electric transformer in Mughsha and then attacked the civil defense vehicle to prevent firefighters from putting out the fire. Chief Hassan said that the police were able to get that situation under control and reopen the roads.
Chief Hassan reminded people that freedom of expression is protected under the law but that it should be practiced in a peaceful, civilized manner.