The Interior Ministry released a statement in which it highlighted contradictions in the report and said the report did not represent correct facts. It quoted officials out of context and it ignored the significant reforms initiated in the ministry since the report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).
It was apparent at the meeting with the ministry that the HRW representatives had done little or no work beforehand to fully assimilate the BICI Report, much less to ascertain or understand the changes within the ministry and the reforms undertaken by the government of Bahrain since the launch of the BICI, the ministry statement said.
They were even unaware of basic changes such as the appointment of a new police chief in 2011, the statement said, adding that the delegation spent almost the entire meeting making provocative, accusatory remarks, and disregarding information provided by senior officials, including a presentation made by the chief of police.
The statement of Human Rights Watch’s representatives further disregards information that is publicly available. It ignores the current process in which dozens of cases involving over 100 police personnel, up to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, are being investigated by the Public Prosecutor.
Moreover, it fails to acknowledge the ministry policy regarding improper use of force, including excessive teargas.
The ministry highlighted that it has met and engaged with 11 other international organisations concerned with human rights last year, and looks forward to continuing its policy of constructive engagement.
