Importance of security at worship places stressed

Manama, Feb. 26 (BNA): The Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan today announced that the public security force is committed to protecting the safety and security of the nation. Al Hassan pledged zero tolerance against people who break the law by using violence or damaging property with the intent to intimidate others. The public security chief stressed that police operated in accordance with international agreements, conventions and norms, including the freedom of religion and worship, which is also protected by the kingdom’s Constitution. The police will continue to protect and maintain order around mosques and other religious institutions to ensure the safety of worshippers and the public. He reported that all worshipers preformed Friday prayers peacefully throughout the country. This included the residents of Deraz who, contrary to rumours on social media, reached their mosque on time. He said there had been anonymous calls to close one mosque and for those worshippers to attend a different mosque. This was done to exploit both places of worship and threaten security. He said this will not be accepted. The Chief stated that an investigation was launched to identify those responsible for the calls and urged anyone with information to call the police hotline at 80008008. All calls are treated as anonymous, he said.