King Hamad of Bahrain Announces Creation of Independent Fact Finding Commission in Nationally Televised Speech

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a nationally televised speech, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa discussed Bahrain's current state of affairs and announced the formation of an independent fact-finding Commission that will look into the events that occurred in February and March of 2011.

"Citizens have the right to put [forward] their demands without being met violently; and in return, freedom must be exercised responsibly," His Majesty said. "Freedom of expression must not be exploited as a way to disturb public order".

The King stressed on the importance of meaningful dialogue and said that with "a dialogue of national consensus, encompassing the views of all sectors of Bahraini society, we can write a new chapter in our history." He described Bahrain as a, "land of Civilizations, where unprecedented men have set examples in giving, selflessness, loyalty to this homeland, and love of its fine people regardless of their color, race, religion or sect." He expressed his hope that all Bahrainis unite to address shared concerns in order to bring about a prosperous future for the country.

The independent fact finding committee was appointed after broad consultations with parties including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR). The commission brings together a team of politically independent figures with extensive expertise in international human rights law. Those individuals have been selected because of their international achievements.

The committee will submit its report to the Bahraini Government which in return will take the necessary action in response to its findings. His Majesty, King Hamad believes, "that its findings will reveal the truth" and will assist all Bahrainis "in putting events of the past behind us, as we move towards a brighter future of unity and cohesion."

SOURCE Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain