BICI investigation into the demolition of places of worship
International engineering expert, Ismail Hazem has now completed his investigation as part of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) team examining the demolition of places of worship in Bahrain since February/March 2011.
An architect with extensive experience in conflict zones, Hazem was brought in by the BICI to examine the sites of destroyed or damaged mosques and religious buildings as part of the BICI mandate to investigate the events of February/March 2011 and their consequences. During his stay, he visited the sites of 30 mosques in various locations including Nuwaidrat, Hamad Town and Sitra.
Accompanied by a member of the investigating team, Hazem met with the mosque leaders as well as officials from the Jaafari Religious Endowments Council and Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning. His report should be issued in the coming weeks to supplement the final BICI report which is due to be presented and issued on 30th October to the public at large.
The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry was established on 29th June 2011 in the Kingdom of Bahrain pursuant to Royal Order No. 28 by His Majesty, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The BICI is mandated 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”.
