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Inquiry: Bahrain Forces Tortured Protesters, No Link to Iran

Al-Manar | November 23, 2011

Bahrain’s king vowed reforms on Wednesday after a commission of inquiry found that his security forces used “excessive force” and tortured detainees in a March crackdown on peaceful protests.

King Hamad commissioned the report to investigate allegations of government misconduct and human rights abuses against protesters, democracy activists, and opposition figures.

On Wednesday he vowed there would be reforms.

“We will introduce and implement reforms that would please all segments of our society,” the Ben-Khalifa said after the findings were released.

He also expressed “dismay” at the mistreatment of detainees.

“We do not tolerate the mistreatment of detainees and prisoners. We are dismayed to find that it has occurred, as your report has found,” he said.

Responding earlier to the findings of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, an official spokesman also said the government accepts the criticisms.

“The government welcomes the findings of the Independent Commission, and acknowledges its criticisms,” a statement said.

“We took the initiative in asking for this thorough and detailed inquiry to seek the truth and we accept it.”

The report also acknowledged that the commission did not find proof of an Iran link to the unrest, dispelling widespread allegations by Gulf leaders that Iran played a role in instigating the mainly Shiite protests.

“Evidence presented to the commission did not prove a clear link between the events in Bahrain and Iran,” said Cherif Bassiouni, the commission’s lead investigator.

The peaceful mass demonstrations which rocked the kingdom earlier this year were violently crushed as government forces used live ammunition and heavy-handed tactics to scatter protesters.

Bassiouni said the death toll from the month-long unrest reached 35, including five security personnel. Hundreds more were injured. […]

In March, Bahraini security forces boosted by some 1,000 Gulf troops crushed the month-long uprising in Manama’s Pearl Square, epicenter of the peaceful anti-government movement. … Full article

November 24, 2011 - Posted by | Deception, Mainstream Media, Warmongering, Subjugation - Torture, Timeless or most popular

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