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PRESS RELEASE
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Chief of Public Security: Group of Suspects Arrested on Rioting and
Vandalism Charges
Information Affairs Authority, Manama, 19 April 2012: Reacting to reports by some
news agencies about arrests before the hosting of Formula One Grand Prix, Chief of
Public Security Major-General Tariq Al Hassan said yesterday that as part of the
police duty to enforce the law, a number of rioters and vandals had been arrested for
taking part in illegal rallies and gatherings, blocking roads and endangering peoples
lives by attacking them with petrol bombs, iron rods and stones.
Al Hassan stated that legal action was taken against them as a means of maintaining
public security in coordination with the Public Prosecutor, and the arrests were made
after an investigation and identification of the suspects. Legal steps are being taken
against those involved, who have been referred to the Public Prosecutor.
The Chief of Public Security went on to note that such acts of vandalism do not come
under the definition of freedom of expression protected by the law and therefore those
arrested are not considered legitimate protestors. Instead, they aimed to cause chaos
and endanger civil peace, which is not acceptable. He affirmed that maintaining
security and ensuring public safety are the top priorities for the police and there will
be zero tolerance for violations.
ENDS
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For press enquiries, please contact our Press Office on press@info.gov.bh or Ms. Luma
Bashmi on:
Luma E. Bashmi
Acting Director of International Media Affairs
President's Office
Information Affairs Authority
P.O. Box 253
Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (+973) 17 872 556
Fax: (+973) 17 682 777
Email: lbashmi@info.gov.bh