UPDATE

ON DEATH OF 14-YEAR-OLD BOY IN BAHRAIN Coroners Report Shows Fatal Injuries Not From Fired Gas Canister- Investigation Continues
Information Affairs Authority, Bahrain, Thursday 1st September 2011: The Government of Bahrain issues this statement urging calm in response to the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy, Ali Jawad Ahmad, who died in Sitra in north-east Bahrain early on Wednesday morning. A full investigation has begun into Alis death as well as a post mortem (that is ongoing). In order to avert the many rumours about Alis death, the Government of Bahrain can confirm that: 1. Ali died as a result of a serious blow to the back of the neck (blunt trauma) that culminated in a blood clot in the brain, which eventually took his life. 2. The coroners report indicates that the markings on Alis neck are not consistent with being hit with a tear gas canister or rubber bullet as some have claimed. The markings were too large and suggest that he was hit with a larger object. Further, the coroners investigation shows that no tear gas was found in his lungs. 3. Alis other injuries comprised bruising in his mouth area, and bruising on his chin, elbows and pelvis. Medically these are described as superficial injuries and did not cause his death. The coroner also concluded that the way these body injuries were inflicted suggest he was attacked, though investigations are underway to verify this. 4. Finally, at the time of his reported death (in the morning of 31 August 2011), the Public Prosecutor confirmed there were no reported clashes between the police and civilians in Sitra. The BICI have the mandate to investigate the case but it is their decision whether they see it under their scope. 5. Police are asking for the three anonymous men who brought Alis dead body to the hospital to make themselves known so that they can explain how they found Ali and offer an explanation of the events of the morning that lead to his death.

PRESS RELEASE

We would encourage any one with information on Alis death to come forward. To that end, the Ministry of Interior has announced a 10,000 dinar reward and has also set up a hotline to accept calls for anyone who can share any further information on Alis death. ends

For press enquiries, please contact our Press Office on press@info.gov.bh or Ms. Luma Bashmi on: Luma E. Bashmi President's Office Information Affairs Authority P.O. Box 253 Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 872 556 Fax: (+973) 17 682 777 Email: lbashmi@info.gov.bh