Protests beginnging of this year were repressed with excessive force, while there was no link of Iran’s involvement in spurring the protesters. This was key conclusion of the Bahrain Independent Commission headed by respected international legal scholar and old colleague/friend Professor Cherif Bassiouni. Full Report of Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry link at Bottom of Article below. Report appears to have had some sobering impact on the Ruling Family and Emir. King Hamad committed to undertake steps so that "those painful events won't be repeated... .We do not want ever again to see civilians tried anywhere else but in ordinary courts. We do not want ever again to experience the murder of policemen.” He promised to reform Bahrain's laws to be compatible with international standards to protect freedom of speech and other basic rights. Some Further details of the Commission’s conclusion: ---Detainees subject to "physical and psychological torture" and basic human rights violated, Inmates, blindfolded, whipped, kicked, given electric shocks and threatened with rape to extract confessions. ---Bassiouni urged compensation for the abused. ---Bassiouni urged review of sentences handed down to protesters. (Read: - “Bahrain Trials + Political Persecution?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/bahrain-trials-political-persecution-un-by-ambassador-mo/30420 & Also Read: - “Bahrain Prison Terms for Medical Staff” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/bahrain-prison-terms-for-medical-staff-by-ambassador-mo/35692 ---Bassiouni urged that security forces engaged in abuse be held accountable. ---Bassiouni said there was no clear evidence to link Iran to protests. A New Model for Addressing Protests & Potential Human Rights Violations: According to Professor Bassiouni this was a "unique and historic" event – establishing a precedent and model - first time a state in the region had voluntarily and without international pressure investigated unrest in its own country. Professor Bassiouni had been subjected to criticism by some Bahraini opposition for undertaking to lead the Commission and investigation while receiving substantial monetary support/compensation for the work. Read: “ Professor Bassiouni to Investigate Bahrain Unrest” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/professor-bassiouni-to-investigate-bahrain-unrest-by-ambassador-mo/32718). However, it appears while Professor Bassiouni's services can be purchased, his integrity cannot be. Professor Bassiouni has been mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate Libya's grave violations of international humanitarian law: See Film Report - “Libya Inquiry Commission” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/libya-inquiry-commission/26328). It still remains to be seen what is the practical impact for Bahrain – that in large part remains the responsibility of Bahrain’s authorities. This report though could narrow the gap between the Sunni ruling minority and the Shia majority that largely was at forefront of demonstrations. The report though does establish a baseline to which criteria on all sides may expect in the future to be judged by -- internationally and internally. Full Report Link - www.bici.org.bh/ By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey


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