Shaikh Khalid stressed that the government denies all forms of torture, regardless of the identity of the perpetrator or the victim, and is determined to ensure that no one is above the law, stressing in this regard that all the criminal acts in the events of 2011 will be tried. This includes all accounting for the criminal acts where government officials were accused, which led to the death or torture or ill-treatment.
The Minister addressing the Press conference, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the issuance of the report of the Commission following-up the recommendations of the (BICI), that the change was represented in institutions, laws, procedures, ability, and practice.
The Minister stressed that the reforms aimed to ensure the investigations and prosecution of crimes, and trial, were in line with human rights standards accepted internationally, and with the recommendations of the report of the (BICI). He pointed out that the main reports and legislation issued by the government last year are available online in Arabic and English and highlighted that important steps were taken, and there are still a lot to be done.
Shaikh Khalid stressed that in the part of institutional reforms, a new body had been formed for the investigation in all criminal acts mentioned in the report of the (BICI), in addition to the allegations against officials in cases of death or torture.
Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Unit was established in 2012, and chaired by a director general independent of the Ministry of the Interior, and works under the direction of the Attorney General. The Prosecutor, starting from today, will seek the accountability of the security forces’ affiliates for allegations of that kind. The trials will also be resolved in ordinary civil courts, and the private courts are related to the Ministry of Interior. Two offices had been formed for independent trustees to follow up complaints against officials of the Ministry of Interior and the National Security Agency.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that now, the police, prosecutors and judges are having comprehensive training for a year, including instructions from world’s most important experts in line with international human rights standards, and best practices in investigations and fair trials.
They have also included a blog contained a new work ethics, which organizes the wok of the parties implementing the law. That blog included the police limits in dealing with protests, in addition to the amendments of the criminal law, which expanded the concept of torture and increased the penalties related to torture.
The minister added that other measures were introduced, including providing a CCTV camera in the police stations, a new electronic system that monitors prison guards shifts around the clock and records the time and place, as well as the quality of the reported abuse.
Shaikh Khalid said that the report of the (BICI) cited a total of 35 deaths linked to the events covered by the report, including 19 deaths of civilians believed to be due to the public authorities, including 5 deaths under torture. There were also 6 deaths as a result of criminal acts carried out by individuals, including the death of 5 security personnel – four policemen and a member of the Bahraini army. There were also 10 deaths not related to any party.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that investigations into the 19 deaths the report found were attributed to security officials led to the trial of 12 accused in 8 deaths so far. This involved cases against prison officials and police officers, including a lieutenant. So far, there was a trial ended with a judgment on the accused to seven years in prison. In other two cases the defendants were acquitted, and the verdict is now being appealed. Other cases are still pending in the courts of first instance.
On the other hand, 3 cases were raised against ordinary individuals who committed crimes led to the deaths of 4 police officers. Nine persons were convicted and sentenced. There was another case raised against persons involved in killing an expatriate. Investigations are still underway in the remaining deaths.
The minister also stressed that the accounting process is still ongoing and the government is determined to hold account of all criminals. It is certain that the amendments taking place will take time to have its desired outcomes. The large changes and lengthy training programmes will take time to give full results, but nevertheless there are promising indicators.