SIU receives 17 complaints in April

Manama, May 11 (BNA): Member of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Mohammed Khaled Al Hazza has announced that the unit received 17 complaints in April including allegations of torture, ill-treatment and the use of excessive force by the Public Security forces. He added that the unit had launched investigations into all the complaints. The unit also launched an investigation into the death of a convict when he tried to run away from the police who arrested him to serve a sentence of five years in jail. On notification by the Public Prosecution, the unit examined the scene of the incident in the presence of a coroner. It also commissioned forensic experts, listened to witnesses and commissioned a medical examiner to examine the body of the deceased and determine the cause of the death. A medical report showed that the body sustained bruises, skull fractures and brain hemorrhage which were caused, according to the witnesses, by falling from a high place. The report also showed that there were no traces on the body resulting from tying up the deceased. Investigations are still underway into the case. Concerning cases processed by the unit, the SIU heard the statements of 22 complainants and 25 witnesses. It also interrogated 38 defendants from the public security forces and referred four complainants to the unit’s forensic examiner to indicate the injuries sustained, their causes and the date of occurrence. One complainant was also examined by a psychologist to find out if he suffered from any psychological trauma. The unit also completed its investigation into two separate cases in which two inmates at the Reform and Rehabilitation Directorate allegedly claimed being beaten by a policeman. The unit referred the defendant to the Lower Criminal Court for trial and the two cases are being heard by the specialised court. As part of following up on cases referred by the criminal courts, the unit appealed a verdict by the Lower Criminal Court which was issued on 28 / 4 / 2016 acquitting two members of the public security forces of the charge leveled against them. They were accused of beating inmates at the Reform and Rehabilitation Directorate. The case will be heard by the High Court of Appeal on 30 / 10 / 2016.