Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Chapter IV — Narrative of Events of February and March 2011
while police units were dispersing protesters and gatherings of individuals.
Arrested individuals were generally handcuffed behind their backs,
blindfolded and transported to the closest police station where they were
subjected to various forms of mistreatment the most common of which were
beating, kicking, slapping, lashing with rubber hoses and verbal insults
directed in particular at Shia religious beliefs and symbols. 263
569. Other individuals were arrested by BDF and National Guard units that
were stationed at various checkpoints in Manama and were enforcing the
curfews imposed in the vicinity of the GCC Roundabout. Any persons
arrested by these armed units were transferred to the custody of the closest
police station.
570. The Speaker of the National Consultative Council of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, Mr Ali Larijani, stated that “the treason of the Saudi regime
and its massacres against the Muslim people of Bahrain will never be
forgotten.” In addition, the Assistant to the Commander of the Iranian Air
Force described events occurring in Bahrain as a “massacre”, and affirmed
that “the Saudi Arabian army will regret its perpetration of these massacres.”
571. That evening, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Sheikh
Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, held a press conference in which he made the
following observations:
a. The GoB will not tolerate any acts of violence or vandalism or
any threats to the lives of security personnel or BDF or
National Guard officers, who are necessary for the country to
return to normality and to resume plans for reform and
development.
b. Bahrain has restored order and security after being subjected
to a “terrorist plot” that sought to undermine its security and
stability. This terrorist plot has clear foreign connections and
has been replicated in other parts of the region.
c. HRH the Crown Prince has issued an unconditional invitation
to engage in a national dialogue with all civil and political
parties, in which all demands and proposals are open for
discussion. HM King Hamad has taken a number of steps to
pave the way for the success of HRH the Crown Prince’s
initiative, including pardoning convicted political leaders,
allowing peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins, and
withdrawing military and security forces from the streets.
d. HRH the Crown Prince has consulted with all parties and
invited them to submit their proposals and ideas for the
national dialogue, which will be added to the agenda of that
dialogue. All issues are open for discussion in this national
dialogue. Most parties accepted the invitation for a dialogue,
263 See Chapter VI, Section C.
151