Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said that it had set up security check points as a precautionary measure to prevent expected violence and illegal activity surrounding the Friday prayer service in Duraz, adding that those who were not residents of the area were re-directed to mosques in their own neighborhoods. As a result of the security measures, the Duraz prayer services ended without incident.
Last night, the Ministry reported the death of a 16 year-old Bahraini who was hit by a car when he tried to cross a freeway. Counter to rumors on social media, the traffic accident had no connection with the security check points or police activity and occurred more than seven kilometers away from the Duraz mosque. Ali Abbas Radhi died at the scene after being struck by a civilian car.
The Interior Ministry also clarified that reports by media that they were prevented from entering Duraz were not true, noting that a number of reporters (including one from Reuters) accessed the area with no restrictions. The Police Media Center has worked around the clock to assist journalists with their inquiries, but some journalists instead relied on rumors and misinformation promoted through social media channels.