Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Chapter VI — Allegations of Human Rights Violations Against the Person
send their children to school and calling for teachers to stop
working and participate in protests. She was sentenced to
three years imprisonment and an appeal in her case will be
heard by the Court of Appeal on 10 December 2011.
1259. Several persons were charged with participating in unauthorised
gatherings. These individuals provided statements to the Commission in
which they outlined the following allegations, for example:
a. A complainant stated that he has been politically active within
the opposition for a long time and that he had been arrested
prior to the events of February and March 2011. He was
arrested again in March 2011 and taken to Naim police
station, Al-Qalaa (NSA), Dry Dock Detention Centre and then
finally Al Qurain Prison. He alleged that he was interrogated
in detention and tortured to obtain information. In particular,
he stated that he was asked whether he was part of the 14
February movement and questioned about his relationship
with high profile opposition leaders. The complainant alleged
that the authorities had followed his political activity since the
1990s. He maintained that his political activity was not illegal
and that he was exercising his right to freedom of opinion and
expression. He admitted to having taken part in protests in
1997 and 2011, stating that every person has the right to
gather peacefully. He was sentenced to 15 years
imprisonment.
b. A complainant active in the opposition party stated that he
was arrested on 5 February 2011 and taken to Al-Qalaa and
later to Al Qurain Prison. He alleged that he was placed in
isolation, blindfolded and tortured. He was charged with
broadcasting false information concerning the protests and the
actions of the GoB, participating in and inviting people to
participate in an unauthorised gathering, and inciting violence
against the Government. The complainant stated that his
political activity took place in the period during which he
enjoyed parliamentary immunity and that he stopped all
political activity on 22 March 2011. He also stated that all his
political activity was licensed and within the boundaries of the
law. His case is still on trial before the National Safety Court
and a hearing was scheduled for 21 November 2011.
1260. Some persons were also charged with inciting others to attend
unauthorised gatherings. These individuals provided statements to the
Commission in which they outlined the following allegations, for example:
a. A complainant stated that he was previously employed at the
Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, but he was critical of the
GoB and was forced to live in exile for 20 years. He returned
pursuant to a royal pardon and resumed his work, but resigned
after two years because of sectarian discrimination and the
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