Bahraini MOI statement on incidents in the Last few days

In endeavouring to fulfil the Interior Ministry's responsibility to keep the public informed, the following information regarding the last few days is being released: After various calls were made for members of the opposition to engage in violent acts, the Interior Ministry increased the deployment of policemen throughout Bahrain to protect general order and secure property. The security measures helped in maintaining normal life and business as usual throughout Bahrain and during celebrations of the anniversary of the National Action Charter. The Interior Ministry used a heightened presence, checkpoints and patrols to respond to incidents of rioting and vandalism that were aimed at spreading fear among residents and business owners in the villages. The police dispersed rioters in accordance with the law and arrested those who were caught engaging in criminal acts. A bomb explosion in Al Dair on Friday resulted in the death of a policeman, Abdulwaheed Sayed Mohammed, 29. He had been assigned to the area to secure the roads. Five other policemen were also injured, two critically, when two civilian cars were burned. A school bus was also caught in a Molotov cocktail attack, in which the students on board had to be evacuated to safety. The police showed incredible restraint in their use of force in dealing with the violent rioters and succeeded in preventing many acts of vandalism. However, 4 bombs were detonated in different areas throughout the country. In total, 55 suspects were arrested on Thursday and Friday and were referred to the public prosecution. The Interior Ministry offers its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased policeman and stressed that police will take all necessary steps to maintain order and to enforce the law against anyone who engages in criminal behaviour, endangers the lives of others or conducts attacks on public or private property.