The Interior Ministry Security Media Director denied allegations by BBC channel, broadcast in its news bulletin, accusing Bahraini security forces of hampering the channel’s crew work during their coverage of the incidents in A’ali last Thursday.
“Procedures taken, like verifying the work team’s identification papers, is part of the police officers’ duties to ensure the crew’s security given that the team had had access to a region witnessing riots, acts of sabotage and blocking of public roads by thugs taking part in a funeral procession,” he said pointing out that the security forces have provided all facilities to ensure the media teams reach the region to cover the incidents there.
The Ministry in a separate statement said following the conclusion of condolence period of a deceased in A’ali, around 150 mourners took to the streets in an illegal march and committed acts of sabotage blocking roads and hurling Molotov cocktails, stones and iron bars at the security officers.
According to the Central Governorate Police Director the protestors disobeyed orders to disperse. “The security forces had to intervene to break them up, re-open the roads and bring the situation back to normal, he added pointing out that the situation was handled according to the law,” the statement added.