Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry
676. On 15 February 2011, several hundred individuals gathered at
SMC. 274 A funeral procession for Mr Ali Almeshaima moved from SMC
towards Jidhafs cemetery and clashes occurred between police and members
of the procession. Crowds gathered at SMC and anti-government slogans
were heard again. In the afternoon, persons participating in the march to
Jidhafs cemetery proceeded towards the GCC Roundabout, which was soon
overtaken by protesters. A medical tent was set up at the GCC Roundabout on
15 February 2011. It was run by SMC medical personnel. According to MoH
records, on 15 February, 35 emergency crisis patients presented at SMC and
97 patients were admitted, with seven of these admissions being related to the
protests. 275
677. On 16 February 2011, crowds gathered at SMC and marched towards
Um Al Hasam cemetery for the funeral of Mr Fadhel Al Matrook. According
to MoH records, on 16 February, seven emergency crisis patients presented at
SMC and 133 patients were admitted, with two of these admissions being
related to the protests. 276
678. Early in the morning of 17 February 2011, security forces started the
first clearance of the GCC Roundabout. Police dismantled a medical tent that
had been set up at the roundabout. Protesters, including persons injured
during the clearance of the roundabout, headed towards SMC. Several
hundred individuals gathered at SMC and chanted anti-government slogans.
The MoH prevented ambulances from going to the roundabout, for the reasons
discussed later in this section. 277 Protesters and family members of the injured
gathered outside SMC. A group of protesters attempted to head back towards
the GCC Roundabout but was stopped by security forces, resulting in several
casualties and the death of two protesters. 278 An impromptu demonstration
occurred in the SMC car park, with some medical personnel and doctors
participating. The protesters criticised the Minister of Health, as detailed later
in this section. 279
679. The Bahrain Medical Society issued a statement condemning the use
of violence against “peaceful protesters” and the prevention of medical
workers from carrying out their duties, “which also resulted in injuries to
members of the medical team”. In the afternoon a march organised by
medical personnel took place at SMC, calling for the removal of the Minister
of Health due to his failure to prevent attacks on medical personnel. 280
Protesters attempted to retake the GCC Roundabout but were confronted by
274
MoI events log for February and March 2011 p 9.
275
File presented to the Commission by SMC entitled “Salmaniya Medical Complex Statistics
between 14 February and 22 March 2011”.
276
File presented to the Commission by SMC entitled “Salmaniya Medical Complex Statistics
between 14 February and 22 March 2011”.
277
See “Februaru 2011 Disaster Report” in file presented to the Commission by SMC entitled
“Salmaniya Medical Complex Statistics between 14 February and 22 March 2011”.
278
MoI events log for February and March 2011 p 20.
279
Statement of Witness No. 2 in Case No. 191 of 2011; Interview with the Commission, 2
August 2011.
280
MoI events log for February and March 2011.
172