Ban on demonstrations is temporary

Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa discussed the recent decision to temporarily ban rallies and gatherings until security and stability are restored. He said the goal of the temporary ban is to protect national unity and fight extremism; and stressed that freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed for all.

“Citizens of any country in the world would understand the necessity of implementing security measures to control, but not close, the entrances to the village in order to conduct a thorough investigation into an officer’s death,” the Minister said in reference to Officer Omran Mohammed Ahmed, who was only 19 when killed in an attack on police patrol in Eker.

Addressing rumors of a police siege on the village, the Minister clarified “In fact, our security actions reduced pressure on the village and allowed residents more mobility than they would have had otherwise after a lethal attack.”

Police set up checkpoints at the entrances of Eker to keep track of who was coming and going. Security forces were able to identify and arrest several suspects; some are still at large. “We know who they are and they know we know who they are. In time, justice will take its course,” the Minister said.

In the aftermath of the tragic event, political societies requested to rally in Eker but permission was denied due to the time, place and manner of the rally as would be consistent with international law. “The location was certainly provocative in that it was the location where our policeman was intentionally murdered,” the Minister said. Regardless of the denial of permission, the organizers held the event. Abuses against the head of state occurred and flags, banners and pictures that promoted sectarianism were displayed.”

The Minister stated that rallies and the right to freedom of expression are subject to the law. He explained that in international law, organizers are required to control and marshal their events to keep criminal elements from engaging in violence. Many event organizers in Bahrain have a proven track record of being unable to fulfill this responsibility.

The Minister reiterated that the violence regularly seen in Bahrain is not freedom of expression, but is illegal, criminal behavior. However, he noted that the ban on rallies is only temporary.

“It is an opportunity for everyone to take a step back, calm down and gain some perspective. All Bahrainis believe that reforms are the foundation of our path forward. Our sights are set on very clear goals as outlined in the BICI Report and the UPR session in Geneva. HM the King is committed to them and will stand firm on his policies.”