Report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry

Chapter IV — Narrative of Events of February and March 2011
b. It affirms the legitimacy of the existing regime and considers
that the maintenance of stability in the country is not
negotiable.
c. It expresses its deep sorrow and regret at the deaths that
occurred during the previous days.
d. It calls on all people to maintain calm and affirms that
demands for reform can only be implemented on the basis of a
national consensus.
e. It calls on the people of Bahrain to beware of civil discord.
f. To the Shia of Bahrain, including those demonstrating at the
GCC Roundabout, the Gathering affirms the unity of the
Bahraini people who share the same grievances, problems and
challenges. The Gathering also “extends its hand” to those at
the roundabout to cooperate in the pursuit of virtue.
g. To the Sunnis of Bahrain, the Gathering affirms that it will
respond to those espousing opposing views with logic and
reason.
h. To the leadership of the country, the Gathering asserts that the
Bahraini people are demanding their rights, in particular that
authority should be vested in the people in reality and not only
as a façade, and that rights enshrined in the Constitution
should not be ignored. The Gathering also calls on the
country’s leadership to remove all forms of ethnic, sectarian,
familial or class-based discrimination, and to ensure that
responsibilities are given to those in society who are
uncorrupted and have the requisite expertise, since much
wealth has already been misappropriated. The Gathering also
encourages the leadership to undertake fundamental and
balanced revisions of the Constitution to ensure that the
people are the sources of authority under the kind
custodianship of the King.
292. Despite the fact that this gathering was not authorised, there was no
record of attempts by the police or government security services to disperse
the crowds gathered at the Al-Fateh Mosque. Later, small rallies described as
supportive of the King and the GoB were reported in the Sheikh Isa bin
Salman Road and the King Faisal Highway. No information is available
regarding any attempts to confront or disperse these unauthorised
demonstrations.
293. Later that night, the Bahrain International Circuit announced that the
Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix race, which was scheduled for 13 March
2011, would not be held due to the unrest in Bahrain.
294. HRH the Crown Prince received representatives from civil society in
his efforts to calm the situation. These meetings also aimed at preparing the
ground for the proposed national dialogue.
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