MANAMA: Startling revelations of the terrorist attack have emerged as the authorities made four arrests for allegedly helping the 13 inmates to escape on the night of January 1st 2017, leaving one policeman dead and injuring other two guards.
The initial investigations revealed that the abettors’ of escapee fugitives used the drone cameras to film the Jau Prison before attack and the terrorist attack was well planned and it seemed that the terrorist operation was executed with the support from outside of jail.
“The Ministry considers this to be a terrorist operation against the public security force. As the Interior Minister, it is my duty to accept and respect your criticism and comments, but I hope the negligence and shortcomings of some do not overcome the efforts of all of the hard working and loyal policemen who work daily to protect Bahrain. The security blessing in the country as you know has required consistent attention throughout the years,” HE the Minister told the Chamber of Deputies.
The briefing was attended by Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Mulla, Chairman of the Council of Representatives, Deputy Chairmen of the Council, Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee and MPs.
HE Interior Minister highlighted that the investigation resulted in identifying a number of individuals suspected of aiding those who carried out the terrorist attack and said they had been arrested. This includes the owner of the car that was involved in the operation, in addition to a number of terrorists wanted in various security cases. Four individuals suspected to be involved in the attack and aiding the prisoners’ escape were identified.
“I meet you to talk about the jailbreak of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre that took place at dawn on January first. HE Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the chairman and members of the council, applauding their role in reinforcing national unity and strengthening internal systems to handle regional challenges and to increase Bahrain’s strong social fabric.
HE Interior Minister briefed those at the meeting on the latest security developments, especially the jailbreak of the reformation and rehabilitation centre at Jau on January 1.
The arrested include Mohammed Jassim Mohammed Jassim Al Abed, 28, resides in Hamad Town; Hamid Jassim Mohammed Jassim Al Abed, 28, resides in Hamad Town; Hassan Ali Mohammed Fardan Shakar, 22, resides in Bani Jamara and Mahmood Yousif Habid Hassan Yahya, 22, resides in Bani Jamara.
HE Interior Ministry said negligence and collusion are among reasons behind the escape of the ten convicts, thus a number of officials and staff of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre “Jau” were referred to the Public Prosecution of the Interior Ministry courts. The car that was involved in the operation was tracked on the road by CCTV. The search continues for a 2008 black jeep with number plate 547672. He also stated that the homes of a number of suspects were searched, and a committee was formed to probe the circumstances of the case. Police patrols were deployed in all parts of the country for heavy security presence to protect the public and promote the sense of security.
The brief included information on the escapees as revealed through the initial investigation and the CCTV footage. He highlighted that the attack was conducted according to a plan that involved the negligence of some members of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Directorate. He said that there was nothing wrong with the security steps taken by the control towers that shot at the car, terrorists and escapees.
The brief also highlighted that the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre is equipped with all requirements, including cameras and alarm systems, as there are 600 CCTVs and the guards have enough weapons and clear orders to deal with all situations.
HE Interior Minister asserted that the case revealed shortcomings in performance and not in capabilities, as policemen are equipped with weapons and tools to carry out various tasks, adding that there are six organisations that monitor the work of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centres. He said bribery cases aren’t only at prisons in Bahrain; they occur all over the world.
He asserted that regardless of the ranks, those who showed shortcomings in their work will be held responsible. “This won’t undermine the work of good policemen who we depend on as they previously foiled 14 escape attempts. We are as officials should reinforce the confidence of policeman, as our policemen carry professional work.”
He added that the martyr of duty, policeman Abdulsalam Saif was shot before he took over his shift and that the terrorists escaped from a gate that was left open for a cleaning vehicle to enter. He said that the terrorists used a remote-control airplane for filming, and that the investigation will continue to learn more about the case and arrest those involved.
He said that necessary security and legal steps are being taken to deal with shortcomings and negligence at the reformation and rehabilitation centres, highlighting the progress previously made in this regard that covered the infrastructure of new buildings, initiatives and reformation programmes for inmates and training of personnel as part of the development projects of the security strategy that covers the protection of internal frontline and measures to fight crime, protect security, counterterrorism, drying its sources and security and civil services provided by the ministry.
HE Interior Minister asserted the importance to develop legislation to assist policemen in fighting terrorism and intensify penalties for attacks against policemen. He highlighted the important role of MPs in following up the best interests of the nation and citizens and coordination for the development of national projects to achieve security and stability.
