ICRC visiting detainees in Bahrain

Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross started visiting detainees caught up in Bahrain's unrest, a regional director said. "We are currently visiting Jaw prison in Manama, the main detention facility in the country," regional ICRC Director Gerard Peytrignet said in a statement from Kuwait. Amnesty International had said there was evidence to suggest security forces used tear gas inappropriately in Bahrain. Last week, the BBC reported it reviewed photographs of street demonstrations and observed signs of abuse on the bodies of some protesters. Peytrignet said a group of five ICRC volunteers, including one doctor, has been granted access to "all detainees" held in connection with a Shiite uprising against the Sunni monarchy that began last year. The director noted that all of those detained in connection with the uprising must be treated humanely while in custody. Bahrain last year announced it was considering recommendations made in a report on the unrest from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. BICI, in its report, concluded state security forces used unnecessary lethal force during a crackdown last year. "Since the start of violence in Bahrain, the ICRC has been keen to remind the authorities of their obligation to respect the rules governing the use of force and the treatment of detainees, and to respect medical facilities, personnel and vehicles," added Peytrignet.