Manama: An international panel has begun investigating the five months of Shi’ite protests in Bahrain and the crackdown by the island nation's Sunni rulers that has killed at least 32 people.
The head of the five-member commission, Mahmoud Cherif Bassiouni, says the panel will meet with government and military officials and opposition leaders and activists, including those in custody for their role in demonstrations.
Bahrain's Shi’ite majority is demanding greater freedoms from the ruling Sunni dynasty.
Bassiouni said at a news conference on Sunday that the commission will report its findings by October 30.
Hundreds of protesters have been detained since February. Dozens were convicted of anti-state crimes in a special security tribunal. Eight prominent activists are serving life sentences.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, July 25, 2011, 11:15