Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry
(3) Civilian deaths not attributable to a
perpetrator
879. The Commission finds that eight civilians died during the relevant
period and it was not able to attribute these deaths to a perpetrator. 509 In five
cases the Commission was unable to determine the exact circumstances
surrounding the death. The Commission finds that in three cases the deaths
can be classified as intentional killings. The Commission is, however, unable
to attribute responsibility for these deaths to specific persons. In two cases
there have been no investigations into the circumstances surrounding the
deaths and consequently has not complied with international law. 510
880. As has already been stated, the Commission is of the view that the
totality of the evidence, presented by the MoI, indicates that the investigations
lacked impartiality, independence and integrity resulting in findings that were,
in many cases, flawed and biased in its favour.
(4) Deaths of expatriate workers
881. The Commission finds that four expatriate workers died during the
relevant period in connection with the events. 511 Two of these deaths are
attributable to civilians and are categorised as intentional killings. 512 The MoI
has initiated two investigations into the circumstances surrounding these
deaths. One of these investigations has resulted in 11 individuals being
charged with the murder of Mr Abdul Malik Ghulam Rasool. The MoI
conducted an investigation into the death of Mr Farid Maqbul and this
concluded that Mr Maqbul’s death was attributable to unknown perpetrators.
882. The death of Stephen Abraham is attributable to the BDF. 513 The
Military Attorney General’s investigation found that the calibre and trajectory
of the lethal bullet meant that it could not have been fired by the BDF. The
investigation concluded that the BDF personnel appeared to have acted in
accordance with the law. As has already been stated, the Commission
concludes that the Military Prosecution investigations were not effective and
consequently they have not complied with international law.
883. The Commission has been unable to attribute the deliberate killing of
Mohamed Ikhlas Tozzumul Ali to specific persons or agencies. 514 The
Commission considers that it is likely that Mr Ali was run over by a vehicle.
The MoI has initiated an investigation into this death. The investigation has
not resulted in the prosecution of any individual.
509 Case Nos. 14 to 21.
510 Case No. 18, Case No. 20.
511 Cases Nos. 27 to 30.
512 Case No. 27 and 28.
513 Case No. 29.
514 Case No 30.
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