Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry
those of the previous days, including the removal of the Minister of Education
and the termination of contracts with temporary teachers. In addition, as in
other demonstrations, banners called for the removal of the regime and
denounced the use of force against peaceful protesters. At 10:00, there was a
small protest outside the premises of the Ministry of Information by students
criticising the biased coverage by Bahrain Television of the unfolding
situation in the country.
364. Later that afternoon, a joint statement was issued by seven political
societies (Al Wefaq, Wa’ad, the Islamic Action Society, the National
Democratic Assembly, the Nationalist Democratic Society, Al-Ikha’ National
Society and the Al-Menbar Progressive Democratic Society) to address the
participation of students in mass protests. The statement called on teachers
and students to ensure the continued functioning of the education system and
to avoid disruptions to school schedules. The statement also encouraged
teachers and parents to avoid the politicisation of schools, which should
remain academic and should focus exclusively on providing the highest
quality education. The political societies issuing this statement also called on
the Ministry of Education to reverse the measures that it had taken against
students and teachers who participated in protests in support of the legitimate
demands of the people, as well as the hiring of temporary teachers, as these
measures had heightened tension and apprehension among school staff. The
statement also reaffirmed the right of students to express their opinions and
join demonstrations after school hours.
365. Meanwhile, at 13:00 a march proceeded from the GCC Roundabout
towards the MoI Headquarters (known as “The Citadel”). The demonstration
continued to increase in size until the number of participants exceeded 12,000.
Again the demonstrators called for the removal of the regime, chanting,
“Erhalo…erhalo Al Khalifa”, to demand the departure of the royal family, and
carried signs reading, “Down…down with the Crown”. In addition, the
protesters rejected calls for political dialogue before the removal of the
regime, and demanded the release of all remaining political detainees.
Demonstrators also expressed their discontent with the limited cabinet
reshuffle of the previous Friday, which they considered insufficient, and
demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister and the entire cabinet. Some
participants in the march also denounced the policy of hiring foreign citizens
to serve in the BDF and the local security services. During the demonstration,
one protester attempted to climb the walls of “The Citadel” while another tried
to remove the MoI Coat of Arms at the entrance to the compound, both of
whom were prevented by the other protesters.
366. Meanwhile, the second demonstration organised by “The Gathering
of National Unity” was held at the Al-Fateh Mosque in Juffair, starting at
16:20. Among those addressing the crowds was Sheikh Abdullatif Al-
Mahmood, who stated the following:
a. The importance of dialogue with the GoB, which should
commence without any preconditions.
b. Bahrain’s safety and security are of paramount concern.
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