Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Chapter IV — Narrative of Events of February and March 2011
377. During a press conference held by the main political opposition
groups, the Secretary General of Al Wefaq, Sheikh Ali Salman, revealed
documents that, according to him, proved that the land on which the Bahrain
Financial Harbour was built had been sold to the Prime Minister for one
Bahraini Dinar, which he considered a blatant example of government
corruption and nepotism. This claim later became one of the reasons that led
to a large demonstration at the Financial Harbour.
378. Six opposition political societies submitted their response to HRH the
Crown Prince regarding their participation in the national dialogue. Those
societies were Al Wefaq, Wa’ad, the National Democratic Assemblage, the
Nationalist Democratic Society, Al Ikha’ National Society and the Al Menbar
Progressive Democratic Society. Their response included the following
statements:
a. As a condition for a successful dialogue, the GoB must take
the following positive measures:
i. Allow protesters to remain at the GCC Roundabout and
ensure their safety and security throughout the duration
of the national dialogue and the negotiations;
ii. Immediately release all political detainees and drop
any charges made against them;
iii. Ensure that State television and radio become neutral,
and ensure that they become forums for the
professional and unbiased expression of opinion by all
citizens of all backgrounds, which will ease the
sectarian tension;
iv. Immediately investigate all deaths that occurred since
14 February 2011 and hold all those responsible
accountable; and
v. Dismiss the GoB.
b. The State needs to accept the following principles at the
beginning of the dialogue, and before delving into the details:
i. The abrogation of the 2002 Constitution and the
election of a Constituent Assembly on a one-personone-vote
basis to draft the new constitution;
ii. The right of the people to elect, on a one-person-onevote
basis, a Council of Representatives that
exclusively enjoys full legislative authority;
iii. The right of the people to elect the government; and
iv. The provision of guarantees that the results of the
dialogue will be implemented.
c. There must be agreement on a relatively short timeframe for
negotiations to find solutions to the political and
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