THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Bahrain has admitted that "excessive force" was used during a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters earlier this year that left 24 people dead, a government statement said.
"Regrettably, there have been instances of excessive force and mistreatment of detainees," said the statement, issued two days ahead of a report by an inquiry panel commissioned by King Hamad to probe alleged government misconduct during the February-March crackdown on Shiite-led protests.
Authorities say 24 people, including four policemen, were killed in a month of unrest, while the Shiite-led opposition puts the death toll at 30. Hundreds more were injured.
The statement said authorities have begun prosecuting 20 officers involved in the crackdown, adding that more steps will be taken.
"We cannot condone mistreatment and abuses by our officials. There will be no impunity. All those responsible for abuses will be held accountable," the Bahraini government statement said. » | Monday, November 21, 2011
