Bahrain's Human Rights Society is demanding a transparent independent probe into the death of a Bahraini citizen as a result of a rubber-bullet injury sustained during clashes with security forces outside the United States Embassy last Friday.
Salman Kamal-Uddine, Vice President of the society, emphasized that "perpetrators must be brought to justice", according to Gulf News daily.
On Friday, a large protest at the U.S. embassy turned violent when some protestors attacked the building resulting in clashes with security forces and many injuries. A Bahraini citizen, Mohammed Jumaa Ahmed, 24, died in the hospital on Sunday as a result of a head wound he had suffered during the clashes.
Bahrain’s King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has ordered an investigation into the incident, while the ministry of interior has appealed to protesters to show restraint and abide by law and order during future rallies.
"We would never question His Majesty's genuine desire to uncover the truth of the matter," said Kamal-Uddine. The society, he added, would do its best to cooperate with the investigation.
"We have already asked the society's medical committee to follow the victim's medical report in the Salmania Medical Complex," he conveyed, according to Gulf News.
There are contradicting versions with regards to the incident. While Ahmed's family believes that he was shot by the embassy's security personnel, activists in Bahrain have blamed the Bahraini security forces.
"We do no know yet. I believe it will take at least four to five days before things cool off, then we might get a clear picture of what had really happened," Kamal-Uddine said.
He stated that the society condemns any attack on public or private properties, "especially the diplomatic missions which are protected by international norms."
Moreover, he appealed to all Bahrainis "to express their support to the Palestinian cause with peaceful and civilized way that honestly reflects the true colors of the Bahraini people."
In a related development, a leader of the Islamic National Wefaq Society has emphasized the importance of avoiding incidents such as Friday's in future protests.
"We must ensure that our views are expressed in a civilized and orderly fashion in order not to divert attention a way of the real issue; the U.S. supported-savage Israeli aggression against our people in Palestine," Dr. Abdul Jalil Sanguisse told the daily.
He said that another demonstration would take place on Friday in the Darraz village, west of the capital Manama, in solidarity with the Palestinians.
Dr. Sanguisse believes that the Bahraini government will not try to stop the pro-Palestinian demonstrations because, according to him, they are not anti-government rallies. "They are intended for the sole purpose of expressing our anger toward what is happening in the Occupied Territories," he expressed.
He said that his association would definitely cooperate with the government's investigation into the death of Ahmed.
"We are ready to provide them with live footages of the U.S. embassy protest in order to shed light on the tragic incident", he pointed out. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
