Negligence and possible connivance played a role in the

Negligence and possible connivance played a role in the escape of 10 convicts from Bahrain’s main prison.

The Interior Ministry last week said that one policeman was killed and another injured when 10 terrorists escaped from the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre in Jau at dawn on January 1 in an armed attack on the facility.

A massive manhunt was launched nationwide to recapture the fugitives and arrest those who helped them while an investigation was ordered by Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa to determine facts and responsibilities.

Three senior officers were suspended last week as the probe into the escape continued.

“The Ministry considers this a terrorist operation against the public security forces,” Shaikh Rashid told the parliament Speaker and lawmakers on Monday as he shed light on the escape

“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 policemen do not depreciate the efforts of the hard working and loyal policemen who perform daily to protect Bahrain.”

The minister said that the investigation has so far led to the identification and arrest of people suspected of aiding those who carried out the terrorist attack, including the driver of the getaway vehicle.

The four suspects identified by the minister are aged between 22 and 28.

Shaikh Rashid said that the attack on the prison “was conducted according to a plan that involved the negligence of some staff members of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Directorate.”

“A number of officials and staff of the Reformation and Rehabilitation Centre were referred to the Public Prosecution of the Interior Ministry courts.”

He added that the centre was “equipped with all requirements, including cameras and alarm systems,” adding that there were 600 CCTVs and that the guards had enough weapons and clear orders to deal with all situations.

Shaikh Rashid told the lawmakers that the escape revealed “shortcomings in performance and not in capabilities, as policemen are equipped with weapons and tools to carry out various tasks.”

“Those with shortcomings in their work, and regardless of their ranks, will be held accountable. This action will not undermine the work of good policemen who have previously foiled 14 escape attempts. We as officials should reinforce the confidence of our policemen in their capabilities. They have been carrying out professionally.”

Abdul Salam Saif, the policeman who was killed during the escape, was shot before he took over his shift the minister said.

“The terrorists had used a drone for filming and escaped through a gate that was left open for a cleaning vehicle to enter,” the minister told the lawmakers

source : gulfnews