Legal row over riot suspects
Bahrain’s legal system does not contain any provisions forbidding the release or publication of suspects’ photographs before they have been tried, a prominent local lawyer said yesterday. The move is, however, a human rights violation against those accused, who are legally entitled to file a complaint to ensure they are protected, said MP, lawyer and Bahrain Bar Society member Fareed Ghazi.
His comments follow reports that families were considering legal action against the Public Prosecution after their relatives’ names, pictures and professions were released to the Press on Saturday as suspected saboteurs.
The men were arrested and charged with illegal gathering and damaging public property in connection with acts of arson and sabotage in Al Daih and Bani Jamra.
They have been remanded in custody for 15 days.
Al Wefaq National Islamic Society said it will be holding talks with lawyers to discuss the legality of publicly identifying the men before they are found guilty.
Human rights activists accused authorities of defamation and of having criminalised citizens before they have been convicted or acquitted.
“Regarding the Bahraini law, there is no code of law forbidding publishing the photos of (those related to) whatever crime in the newspaper,” said Mr Ghazi.
“But regarding anyone is innocent until the court proves he is guilty – by publishing the photo, it affects the human rights of these people.
“They are innocent in front of the law until the court says otherwise.
“This is not the first time and it will not be the last.
“We are used to the public prosecution releasing names and photos of different people linked to crimes.
“If they would like to complain, the court is there, the procedure is there and Bahraini laws allow anyone to file a case.
“The court will say whether they are right or not. If they have a right, the Bahrain law will ensure (their rights are protected).”
GDN :: Kenwal Tariq Hameed :: 19 Apr ’06