5 policemen to stand trial in Bahrain

Five policemen suspected of assaulting an accused while arresting him in connection with a drug case have been referred to the High Criminal Court to stand trial on February 4, 2015. "The defendants, who include an officer ranked as 1st Lieutenant, are also accused of aggressing the man during the interrogation so as to extort confessions under duress", said Advocate General, Head of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Nawaf Abdulla Hamza.
A coroner commissioned by the inquiry panel examined the man and confirmed the presence of injuries which might have happened as cited in the plaintiff' version. The Public Prosecution charged them with torturing a detainee into confessing under duress as stipulated in the provisions of the Penal Law.
The inquiry panel investigated last December, nine cases of alleged torture and 4 cases of alleged maltreatment, in addition to another one involving policemen who are suspected of resorting to excessive force while dispersing rioters. Four complainants were referred to the (SIU) coroner to examine their injuries, while two others were referred to the (SIU) psychiatrist to assess their psychological aptitude.
The inquiry panel also heard twelve witnesses and interrogated thirty-two suspects in connection with various court cases. Investigation into the aforementioned cases is underway and results of inquiry would be announced on finalizing procedures. The Court of Appeal upheld the verdict of one policeman affiliated with the Public Security who was sentenced to one month in prison for physical assault.