Al-Wefaq: Findings of BICI confirm the nationalistic nature of Bahraini revolution

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - In a statement issued following release of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society stressed that findings confirm without doubts the nationalistic nature of on-going calls for reforms. As such, the report stated that Iran has no connection whatsoever with start and continuation of the revolution.  In short, demands those seeking reforms involve an elected government, a parliament with full legislative and monitoring powers not shared by an appointed body, fair electoral districts meeting the universal principle of one vote for one person, inclusive security and an impartial and independent judiciary.  Al-Wefaq further stressed that the report further proved correctness of information and reports issued by Al-Wefaq and the international organizations over the last 10 months regarding serious violations, suppression of freedom and liberties in expressing opinions in state-controlled media machinery. Governmental sever violation entailed unlawful killing, torture, arbitrary detention, destruction of religious places, dismissal of employees and students, suspension of grants and scholarships.  Other miss conducts entailed governmental use of excessive force, serious violations in the capturing methods, mistreatment of prisoners of prisoners and detainees, arrest and trial of some for expressing universally acceptable doctrines of freedom of expression, assembly and association.  Other improper practices involved hiding information about detainees for several  weeks in some cases.  Still, the report confirmed that the authorities had used official media for insulting individuals and faiths and for inciting hatred. The report relates on-going political crisis to presence of a dictatorial regime, thereby suggesting that any political solution involves transition to an elected government through the principle of “People being the source of powers and authorities.” Against this backdrop, Al-Wefaq called for dismissal of the current government after confirmed presence of systematic and serious violations in political, economic, social, legal and human rights spheres.  The replacement requires having a national salvation government with clean record certainly not involving killing and torturing people yet capable of transforming the nation a new era.  The new government must show readiness to carry out true political reforms via implementation of all BICI recommendations. The society further stressed the need for undertaking actions capable of redressing the victims especially the martyrs.  Other demands call for allowing for freedom of expression and assembly, engaging in peaceful rallies, dropping of all sentencing cases with no exception, reinstating some 2,000 in public sector and 2,400 in private sector entities following wrongful termination from their jobs.  Also, compensation must be extended for those forced to go the ordeal of collective punishment.Furthermore, Al-Wefaq emphasised the need for forming an impartial and fair committee involving entities and persons relating to the UN mandated to facilitate implementation of the recommendations of BICI report.  Still, need is in place for another commission under the international auspices capable of holding accountability with no impunity. Finally, Al-Wefaq stressed that the BICI report has made responsibility on the international community to assume a historical responsibility for ensuring implementation of the stated recommendations. Other obligations involve redressing the victims, supporting national reconciliation, expediting transition towards democracy and peaceful change of power in order to address the serious violations documented in the report. Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society/129