Bahrain admits use of excessive force

The Bahraini government has admitted to the use of 'excessive force' against anti-government protesters demanding an end to the rule of Al Khalifa dynasty. Manama also confessed that the detained anti-regime protesters were mistreated, AFP reported. "Regrettably, there have been instances of excessive force and mistreatment of detainees," said the statement released on Monday. According to the statement, authorities have also begun prosecuting 20 officers involved in the crackdown and more steps will be taken. "We cannot condone mistreatment and abuses by our officials. There will be no impunity. All those responsible for abuses will be held accountable," the government statement added. The Manama government also announced amendments to the laws, criminalizing all forms of torture. "These amendments will be accompanied by stricter sentencing for those who commit torture," to bring "our laws on torture in line with international human rights standards," it said. The statement came two days ahead of a report by a fact-finding mission set up by the Bahraini government to investigate reports of the mistreatment of anti-regime detainees Head of Bahrain's Independent Commission of Inquiry Cherif Bassiouni said earlier this month that the Manama government has used the systematic policy of torture against protesters. The commission is due to present its final report to King Hamad on Nov. 23, 2011. Since the beginning of anti-regime protests in Bahrain in mid-February, hundreds of people have been arrested and thousands have lost theirjobs for supporting the anti-government movement. Many of those released from jails in Bahrain have accused the Manama regime of serious rights abuse. Several prisoners have died under torture and rights groups have raised concerns about the torture and abuse of detainees in Bahrain.