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Chapter I -- Introduction == Chapter I -- Introduction ==

A. Establishment of the Independent Commission of Inquiry
1. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (the Commission) was established by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (HM King Hamad) in Royal Order No. 28 of 2011, which was issued on 1 July 2011, with immediate force of law. Article 1 states, "An independent Commission of Inquiry is hereby established to investigate and report on the events occurring in Bahrain in February/March 2011, and any subsequent consequences arising out of the aforementioned events, and to make such recommendations as it may deem appropriate."

2. The Commission`s mandate, contained in Article 9, is to report on the events in question on the basis of international human rights norms. Article 9 states the report shall contain the following:

a. A complete narrative of the events that occurred during February and March, 2011;

b. The context for these events; c. Whether during these events there have been violations of international human rights norms by any participants during the events or in the interaction between the public and the government;

d. A description of any acts of violence that have occurred including the nature of the acts, how they occurred, who the actors were and what consequences derived therefrom, in particular at the Salmaniya Hospital and the GCC Roundabout;

e. Instances of alleged police brutality and alleged violence by protestors and/or demonstrators against police and others, including foreigners;

f. The circumstances and appropriateness of arrests and detentions;

g. Examination of allegations of disappearances or torture;

h. Ascertain whether there was any media harassment, whether audiovisual or written, against participants in demonstrations and public protests;

i. Examination of alleged unlawful demolition of religious structures; and

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