The OHCHR Welcomes and Criticises

On 20 March 2012, the OHCHR criticised the use of excessive force including the use of tear gas by the security forces. The Spokesperson for the OHCHR Rupert Colville called upon the Bahraini Government to investigate the alleged use of such excessive force, adding: ‘we have been receiving worrying reports of the disproportionate use of force by Bahraini security forces, including the excessive use of teargas, the use of pellets and rubber bullets. The use of tear gas in particular has reportedly resulted in a number of deaths of protestors and bystanders - and that number has reportedly risen in recent months’. Colville also welcomed the recent issuing of a new code of conduct requiring the police force to adhere fully to human rights principles, and hoped that its implementation will be carefully monitored.