Ambassador of Bahrain in Washington: 'Law enforcement forces actually saved lives!'

Update from the Ambassador (11 March 2011)
 
As promised, I would like to update you on an event that took place today, the 11th of March 2011. This afternoon, crowds of people gathered this afternoon at A’ali with the intention of marching towards Riffa where a second, opposing group of people had gathered at the Clock Roundabout. As a pre-emptive measure, law enforcement officers had been stationed at crucial locations from an early hour to prevent clashes between the two groups. As part of these precautions, security forces erected a barbed wire fence to further separate the two groups. 
At 14.15 the A’ali group, numbering approximately 8,000 people, started marching towards Riffa. When they reached the law enforcement lines, the security forces maintained their positions without engaging in confrontation with the group. At 16.40, most of the protestors began to leave the area, however, another small group tried to breach the fence in order to reach the Clock Roundabout. At the same time, a group from the roundabout tried to reach the group from A’ali. At this point the law enforcement personnel used 8 tear gas canisters in open space to disperse the crowd and prevent any clashes between them. By 17.30, all groups had left the area. 
Rumors that live bullets were used, causing many injuries, and that people had inhaled gas to the point of suffocation are totally without foundation. This is supported by video footage of the operation. 
Escalation of the situation in Riffa could have led to serious clashes between the two groups of people, especially as their numbers reached into the thousands. However, the appropriate manner in which law enforcement forces dealt with the situation, combined with a high level of self-discipline ensured that there was no serious impact on the social fabric of Bahrain from a large-scale sectarian confrontation. 
The Ministry of Interior’s operation was focused on avoiding dangerous behavior and clashes, which could impact seriously on the social cohesion of Bahrain. 
The Ministry also pledged to take all legal procedures against those who threaten public safety and security. 
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
 
Best Wishes,
 
Houda Ezra Nonoo
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Washington D.C.