Interior Minister briefs Parliament on jailbreak

Manama, Jan. 8(BNA): As part of coordination with the Legislative Authority, Council of Representatives Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mullah met Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, in the presence of the head and members of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, MPs, Deputy Interior Minister, General Inspector, Chief of Public Security and Interior Ministry Undersecretary. The Speaker welcomed the Interior Minister, expressing thanks and appreciation for briefing the council of the latest security issues. He applauded the efforts of the Interior Ministry in the protection of the security and stability of Bahrain. The Speaker said the parliamentary meeting was held out of the dedication of the council and the ministry to inform the public of the security situation and to reinforce the cooperation between the two organisations, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He added that maintaining security and stability is a joint national responsibility. He gave his full support and appreciation for the sincere efforts, proactive initiatives and hard work of Interior Ministry personnel, especially the efforts and sacrifices of the brave policemen. He also commended the Ministry's ability to handle security issues related to foreign threats. He mentioned again his condemnation of the terrorist attack on Jau prison that led to the death of a policeman and injury of another. He described the case as a significant terrorism development that exposed the increasing risks Bahrain is facing by terrorist groups and their supporters. The Speaker stated that everyone is aware of the achievements of the Interior Ministry and no one can doubt its accomplishments. He also said community cooperation with the police should be reinforced as a national responsibility. He confirmed the council’s readiness to provide parliamentary and legislative support for the security authority in the state. After these remarks, Interior Minister delivered the following speech: In the name of Allah the Merciful. Allah cited in the Quran: "So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith," Great truth of God. Brother Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Your Excellences Deputy Chairmen of the Council, Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee and MPs, Peace and mercy of God. I meet you today to talk about the jailbreak of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre that took place at dawn on January first. The Ministry considers this to be a terrorist operation against the public security force. As the Interior Minister, it is my duty to accept and respect your criticism and comments, but I hope the negligence and shortcomings of some do not overcome the efforts of all of the hard working and loyal policemen who work daily to protect Bahrain. The security blessing in the country as you know has required consistent attention throughout the years. The Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the chairman and members of the council, applauding their role in reinforcing national unity and strengthening internal systems to handle regional challenges and to increase Bahrain's strong social fabric. He briefed those at the meeting on the latest security developments, especially the jailbreak of the reformation and rehabilitation centre "Jau" on January 1. The minister highlighted that the investigation resulted in identifying a number of individuals suspected of aiding those who carried out the terrorist attack and said they had been arrested. This includes the owner of the car that was involved in the operation, in addition to a number of terrorists wanted in various security cases. Four individuals suspected to be involved in the attack and aiding the prisoners' escape were identified. The suspects are: 1. Mohammed Jassim Mohammed Jassim Al Abed, 28, resides in Hamad Town 2. Hamid Jassim Mohammed Jassim Al Abed, 28, resides in Hamad Town 3. Hassan Ali Mohammed Fardan Shakar, 22, resides in Bani Jamara 4. Mahmood Yousif Habid Hassan Yahya, 22, resides in Bani Jamara The minister said negligence and collusion are among reasons behind the escape of the ten convicts, thus a number of officials and staff of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre "Jau" were referred to the Public Prosecution of the Interior Ministry courts. The car that was involved in the operation was tracked on the road by CCTV. The search continues for a 2008 black jeep with number plate 547672. He also stated that the homes of a number of suspects were searched, and a committee was formed to probe the circumstances of the case. Police patrols were deployed in all parts of the country for heavy security presence to protect the public and promote the sense of security. The brief included information on the escapees as revealed through the initial investigation and the CCTV footage. He highlighted that the attack was conducted according to a plan that involved the negligence of some members of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Directorate. He said that there was nothing wrong with the security steps taken by the control towers that shot at the car, terrorists and escapees. The brief also highlighted that the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre is equipped with all requirements, including cameras and alarm systems, as there are 600 CCTVs and the guards have enough weapons and clear orders to deal with all situations. The minister asserted that the case revealed shortcomings in performance and not in capabilities, as policemen are equipped with weapons and tools to carry out various tasks, adding that there are six organisations that monitor the work of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centres. He said bribery cases aren’t only at prisons in Bahrain; they occur all over the world. He asserted that regardless of the ranks, those who showed shortcomings in their work will be held accountable. "This won’t undermine the work of good policemen who we depend on as they previously foiled 14 escape attempts. We are as officials should reinforce the confidence of policeman, as our policemen carry professional work." He added that the martyr of duty, policeman Abdulsalam Saif was shot before he took over his shift and that the terrorists escaped from a gate that was left open for a cleaning vehicle to enter. He said that the terrorists used a remote control airplane for filming, and that the investigation will continue to learn more about the case and arrest those involved. He said that necessary security and legal steps are being taken to deal with shortcomings and negligence at the reformation and rehabilitation centres, highlighting the progress previously made in this regard that covered the infrastructure of new buildings, initiatives and reformation programmes for inmates and training of personnel as part of the development projects of the security strategy that covers the protection of internal frontline and measures to fight crime, protect security, counterterrorism, drying its sources and security and civil services provided by the ministry. At the end of the meeting, the minister asserted the importance to develop legislation to assist policemen in fighting terrorism and intensify penalties for attacks against policemen. He highlighted the important role of MPs in following up the best interests of the nation and citizens and coordination for the development of national projects to achieve security and stability (MOI)