Manama: Bahrain's interior minister has called for the promulgation of tough laws to help end attacks on policemen.
"The mission of the police is to protect lives and maintain security and public order and we are confident they are up to their duties at all times and places," Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said.
"However, the ongoing attacks on the policemen prompt me, in my capacity, to call for greater legal protection for them as I see that there not enough deterring legal texts. I suggest 15 years in prison for those who plot and carry out attacks on policemen," he said in a statement carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Shaikh Rashid said that the parliament should look urgently into the issue.
"The safety of policemen and their families is of paramount importance and it is our duty to secure it," he said.
Bahrain witnessed in January an escalation of attacks on policemen, mainly near villages where clashes often occurred.
Last week, reports said that 41 policemen came under direct attack and the social media sites disseminated pictures of injured policemen while Bahrain television screened footage of Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa visiting a hospital to comfort them.
"There is sectarian incitement in Bahrain and there are voices that calling for moderation," Shaikh Rashid said. "Which of the two do the people want? Do we need more pain and suffering or should we say enough and move on building our nation? This does require sincere intentions towards agreeing to move towards patriotic responsibilities and peaceful co-existence," he said.
Sliding into chaos is an ominous development that harms people's interests and stability, the minister said.
Shaikh Rashid said that citizens and residents should not be swayed by rumours or attempts to dramatise events.
