Manama: King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa has condemned the terror blast which left one policeman dead as he was performing his duty in East Eker, a village south of the Bahraini capital Manama.
In a cable of condolence to the Minister of Interior Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, King Hamad stressed that terrorism would not undermine Bahrain’s progress.
“Those who conspired against the safety of Bahrain and did not hesitate to perpetrate the most heinous crimes, including murder, would be brought to justice and would be given the right punishment, particularly as their despicable crime occurred during the first days of Ramadan, the month of fasting and devotion,” he said.
“Mahmoud Fareed, a martyr, was the victim of treachery by the enemies of God and the nation, and we deplore, with deep sorrow, this heinous crime and condemn terrorism in all its forms,” the king said in the cable carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa said there would be a zero-tolerance policy towards any terrorist attacks and emphasised such acts would not erode the determination of the nation to move forward.
Tampering with the security of the nation and targeting its achievements are not at all related to patriotic and political activism that must include keenness on preserving accomplishments and the security and stability of all, Prince Salman said.
Fareed was on duty when he was seriously wounded in the blast on Friday. However, he did not survive the injuries and, early on Saturday, Chief of Public Security Major-General Tareq Al Hassan announced his death, adding that an investigation was launched to identify and arrest the suspects involved in order to bring them to justice.
The US immediately condemned the attack, saying that “murderous attacks are completely unjustified and undermine efforts to rebuild trust and pursue meaningful reconciliation in Bahrain”.
“Our hearts go out to those who will find themselves in mourning during this holy month of Ramadan, which should be a time of peace, reflection, fellowship with family and friends, and reconciliation,” a statement issued by the US embassy in Manama said. “We call on all members of Bahraini society to unequivocally denounce these attacks and fully reject all forms of violence. Reconciliation and dialogue are the only way forward for all Bahrainis to achieve their legitimate aspirations.”
