Manama: Bahrain has emphasised that the reform process would keep moving forward and that it would not end with the fulfilment of the recommendations set forth by a fact-finding mission set up in June 2011.
The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) established by an order by King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, was tasked with investigating and reporting on the events that took place in Bahrain from February 2011 and their consequences.
The commission was chaired by Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni, a prominent international law expert, and included Judge Philippe Kirsch Q.C., Professor Sir Nigel Simon Rodley KBE, Dr Mahnoush H. Arsanjani, and Dr Badria A. Al Awadhi.
The commission released a report in November 2011 that included several recommendations to ensure the dramatic events are not repeated.
A national commission, headed by the chairman of the Shura Council, was set up in Bahrain to follow up on the recommendations.
On Monday, King Hamad patronised a ceremony to mark the completion of the implementation of the BICI recommendations, and the following day, the Royal Court expressed the thanks and gratitude of King Hamad to Bassiouni and to the commissioners for their efforts and work to achieve the objectives of the commission and for their contribution to supporting the reforms launched by the king.
The court in its statement highlighted its appreciation of the efforts and support of the government, the crown prince and the parliament.
The judicial branch was praised for improving the system and mechanisms of litigation.
The court stressed that the important milestone of fulfilling the recommendations consolidated Bahrain’s determination to continue the process of reforms and modernisation across various areas.
Expressing its appreciation of the popular support for the process of reform and modernisation, the court said that development would continue.
