How information was gathered

Bahrain Professor M. Sharif Bassiouni (pictured) who heads the commission is one of the foremost authorities on international criminal, human rights and humanitarian law. He obtained an LL.B. from the University of Cairo, a doctorate in jurisprudence from Indiana University, an LL.M. from John Marshall Law School and a doctorate in judicial science from George Washington University.

Until 2009, Professor Bassiouni was a Distinguished Research Professor at De Paul University College of Law — an institution where he spent 35 years. Professor Bassiouni is well published, having authored a number of works including some of the leading textbooks in International Criminal Law. During his career, Professor Bassiouni has also held a number of United Nations positions. This notably included the position of Chair for the Drafting Committee at the Diplomatic Conference on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court. He also served as the Chair for the Drafting Committee on the 1985 United Nations Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Powers.

Prof Bassiouni has also worked on several commissions of inquiry. Most recently, he chaired the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry for Libya (2011). He was also involved in commissions investigating the human rights situation in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2006, and violations of international humanitarian law in the former Yugoslavia in 1993.

What is the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI)?

The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry was established on June 29 in Bahrain pursuant to Royal Order No 28 by King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa. The Commission was tasked with investigating and reporting on the events that took place in Bahrain from February 2011, and their consequences.

The Commission was asked to determine whether the events of February and March 2011 (and thereafter) involved violations of international human rights law and norms, and to make the recommendations it deems appropriate.

What was special about the BICI?

Although Commissions of Inquiry are often created by external mandate, the Bahraini Independent Commission of Inquiry was the product of internal decision-making. It benefited from a consultation process with various bodies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Who are the other members of the Commission?

Dr Badria A. Al Awadhi; Dr Mahnoush H. Arsanjani; Justice Philippe Kirsch; Professor Sir Nigel Simon Rodley.

How could people share their views or make a submission?

The BICI has five hotlines and an e-mail address to receive views, information and video and audio recording submissions.

What kind of information was useful to the BICI?

Any verifiable information concerning the events of February and March 2011 and their repercussions.

How was information gathered?

The BICI investigation team collected information through a variety of methods including interviews, site visits, documents and the assessment of local laws and practices.

Was confidentiality guaranteed?

Yes. All e-mails to the Commission were confidential and its computer servers were designed to be secure. Individuals who chose to speak to the Commission directly could do so in complete confidentiality and with the benefit of protective measures. The identities of witnesses and individuals submitting testimony will not be made public in the final report of the BICI, unless otherwise agreed to by the source and deemed appropriate by the BICI, or in cases where the names have been otherwise well-publicised.

What was the Commission's timetable?

The Commission began its work on July 24, 2011 and the final date of submission of complaints was September 30. Its final report is to be submitted on November 23.

How were the commissioners chosen?

The five commissioners are recognised as world-renowned experts in the fields of international law and international human rights law. They were selected in consultation with international organisations, and on the advice of BICI chairman Prof Bassiouni. Consideration was made with regard to professional background, independence and localised knowledge, in addition to ensuring that gender and ethnic balances are maintained.

How was the BICI funded?

The BICI was funded by the Royal Court, but was established on the condition that its funding will in no way influence its investigative process or the conclusions of its report.

What is the organisation of the BICI?

The staff of the BICI was expanded by adding permanent staff members and consultants to work on a limited basis in order to accommodate the growing requests of the public. Some of the BICI staff were on leave from judicial posts and other positions that limited the amount of time they are able to spend with us in Bahrain.

How did other investigations impact the BICI?

The BICI took into consideration all relevant work conducted by other organisations which impact its mandate — human rights violations in Bahrain since February 2011.