On the evening of February 7th, the Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior issued his report investigating the allegations and complaints made by Nabeel Rajab regarding certain events said to have taken place in downtown Manama on January 6th, 2012.
Rajab made six allegations in his verbal statement to police officer stated the time of the incident, as well as in social and mainstream national and international media.
The allegations were that on 6 January 2012: He was physically attacked by five or six police officers who hit, punched and kicked his head and various parts of his body for three or four minutes (Allegations 1 and 2); This beating was severe and he suffered extensive injuries requiring him to use a wheelchair(Allegation 3). A police officer verbally threatened his life (Allegation 4). A woman was sprayed with a gas (Allegation 5) and He was detained and/or arrested by the police without charge (Allegation 6).
The Inspector General conducted a thorough independent investigation into the matter, with the assistance of a team of investigators reporting to him. The investigation included visiting the scene to ensure all available evidence had been captured; interviewing all the relevant people involved, police, complainants and independent members of the public; and reviewing all the available evidence including forensic and video footage.
Following a thorough review of the evidence, the Inspector General concluded that Rajab was not subjected to physical abuse by the police; Rajab did not receive a severe beating resulting in a concussion and bruises to his back and face, requiring him to use a wheelchair; Rajab was not subjected to verbal abuse by a police officer; A policeman did spray a woman in the face with pepper spray (supported by the evidence) and as such his conduct was contrary to police behavior protocols; disciplinary action is recommended for the officer involved and Rajab was not arrested or detained.