Bahrain completes BICI recommendation implementation process

Manama, May 9 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today patronised a ceremony which marked the completion of the implementation of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) recommendations. His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier attended the event at Al-Sakhir Palace. Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al-Khalifa delivered a speech, welcoming Professor Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni, the Chair of the BICI set up in June 2011, to the ceremony which was held under the auspices of HM the King. He outlined the strenuous national efforts exerted to overcome the events which targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain in early 2011. He said that the follow-up reports which were issued in 2012, 2013 and 2014 reflected the extent of the dedicated efforts which were exerted, in addition to the periodic monthly and annual reports detailing the Government-led serious and transparent procedures and programmes in compliance with the BICI recommendations. The minister described the establishment of the BICI as an unprecedented and a unique initiative which set a model for tackling such challenges and correcting the situation, in line with the principles of justice, transparency and accountability. He cited the royal order that established the national committee in charge of implementing of the BICI recommendations. Chaired by Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh, the Chairman of the Shura Council, the panel included leading figures representing all social sectors, legal and legislative experts and representatives of political societies and NGOs. A Government taskforce chaired by Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa was established to ensure the follow-up of the recommendations. A panel presided over by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister was also set up to follow-up the implementation of the recommendations. The minister stressed the Government's commitment to reinstate students and employees, pointing out the civil settlements for the dead and injured, without prejudicing the right of litigation before special courts. He pointed out other key initiatives undertaken by the Government, citing the establishment of the Special Investigation Unit, the Ombudsman, the office of the inspector-general at the National Security Agency, the retrials and review of verdicts before ordinary courts. The minister highlighted the amendments of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Penal Code, the training of judges, prosecutors, law enforcers and lawyers, and the right to construct worshipping venues legally and orderly without trespassing people's properties. He cited the Government's additional steps, including the establishment of the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), to protect inmates against any violations. The minister said that the Government had to confront, all along this implementation process, the acts of terrorism and violence targeting the nation and citizens in a bid to subvert the achievements of modern Bahrain, derail the reform project, undermine civil peace and sap the pillars citizenship and legitimacy. "The security reports revealed flagrant regional interference in the events which hit Bahrain in 2011", he said, adding that the foreign designs were corroborated through the court verdicts, military training outside Bahrain, and the confiscation of guns and explosives. He paid tribute to HM the King for braving all the challenges and calling for the national dialogue, and opening the door to participation through the constitutional institutions. He underlined the success of the by-elections which were held in 2011, a process which was further consolidated in with 2014 legislative elections. The minister paid tribute to all those who contributed to the implementation of the recommendations, thanking, particularly, the Head of the government taskforce Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh for heading the national committee, Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Interior Minister Lt. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Public Prosecutor Dr. Ali bin Fadhel Al Buainin, Labour and Social Development Minister Jamil bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Youth and Sport Affairs Minister Hesham bin Mohammed Al Jowder, Chancellor Khalid Mohyeddine Ahmed, Head of the Special Investigation Unit Advocate General Nawaf Abdullah Hamza, Ombudsman Nawaf Mohammed Al Ma'awda, National Security Inspector General Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaihi and Justice Ministry Assistant Undersecretary Dana Khamis Al Zayani. Shaikh Khalid also thanked the UK, the American Bar Association, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Development Programme for their technical assistance and support to the national efforts. He also thanked Professor Bassiouni for chairing the BICI and for providing training sessions in the legal field during his presidency of the International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences. HM King Hamad conferred the Bahrain Medal of the First Class on Professor Bassiouni in tribute for his assistance. He also bestowed the Proficiency Medal on Ombudsman Nawaf Mohammed Al Ma'awda, National Security Inspector General Mohammed Al Rumaihi and Justice Ministry Assistant Undersecretary Dana Al Zayani. HM the King thanked Professor Bassiouni for visiting Bahrain to attend the ceremony marking the completion of the implementation of BICI recommendations. Professor Bassiouni expressed gratitude and appreciation for being honoured with the Bahrain Medal of the First Class, stressing that Bahrain was able, under the leadership of HM the King, to deal with 2011 incidents wisely. He added that the implementation of the recommendations took place thanks to the dedicated efforts of all those who were keen on Bahrain's security, stability and prosperity. He thanked HM the King for the honour, wishing Bahrain and its people further prosperity