• Home
• /
• World

Bahrain plans tough steps to stem violence

Speaking at a meeting of top officers on Saturday, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordered security forces to take necessary steps to protect public from any damage caused by such incidents.

King Hamad also directed security chiefs to enforce laws to safeguard national achievements and maintain stability in the country. He, however, asserted that the freedom of expression is allowed within legal limits. He also praised the armed forces and public security for their role in protecting the national unity.

In response to the royal call, Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa issued a statement pledging to support the royal directives. He said the Ministry of Interior and all allied government organisations would be assigned to protect and maintain country’s security.

The prime minister said the government in general and the Interior Ministry in particular would utilise all capabilities to foil any defamation attempts targeting citizens and the country, adding that instigators will be confronted with the force of law.

Bahrain has witnessed various incidents of tyre burning and setting ablaze trash cans in recent days, especially in disturbed villages where most of the cases lead to clashes with security forces. Two Pakistani men, one of them a policeman, died in 2008 when they were attacked by rioters.

shamada@khaleejtimes.com