HABIB TOUMI/GULF NEWS
Bahrain’s first police ombudsman — an office that acts as a watchdog over a particular organization — vows his work will be transparent, honest and objective. In the summer of 2013, the country launched a program to investigate alleged police misconduct. The new agency will operate with administrative and financial independence, and will investigate all cases referred by individuals, regardless of whether they are Bahraini citizens, expatriates living in the kingdom or visitors, newly appointed Ombudsman Nawaf Al Mouawda said.
“The ombudsman was among the recommendations set forth by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, and we have been working closely with well-established similar institutions to benefit from their experience and approach,” Al Mouawda said.
Diplomatic missions in Bahrain and groups can report abuses on behalf of alleged victims, and the ombudsman will investigate, he said.
“The ombudsman was established to ensure compliance with professional standards of policing set forth in the Code of Conduct for the Police, as well as in the administrative regulations governing the performance of civil servants,” Al Mouawda said. “It operates within a general framework that includes respect for human rights and the consolidation of justice, the rule of law and the trust of the public.”
He added that the ombudsman has the right to visit prisons, juvenile care centers and detention centers “to ascertain the legality of the procedures, and to ensure that inmates, prisoners and detainees are not subjected to torture or inhumane or derogatory treatment.”
The ombudsman can recommend disciplinary action to the Interior Ministry and inform the public prosecutor in criminal offense cases.
“We will deepen our experience by extending training and contacts with others, as we want the experience to be successful and highly beneficial for all parties,” Al Mouawda said. “The ombudsman’s team has been holding meetings with all sections in the Interior Ministry to make sure that they appreciate the nature and objectives of our work. We are not out there to target anyone or to compete with any agency. We just want justice and fairness to prevail,” he said.