Verdict acquitting five policemen appealed

Manama, Oct. 1 (BNA): Member of the Special Investigation Unit Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza said the unit had appealed a verdict issued by the High Criminal Court on September 2 that acquitted five policemen accused of beating a suspect to obtain his confession. According to details of the case, the unit received a complaint from the Public Prosecution that a detainee held for possessing and selling drugs was injured during the arrest and the questioning. The unit launched an investigation into the incident and took the testimony of the victim who said that he had been beaten by the policemen in order to get his confession. The forensic medical report also showed that the victim had injuries that were consistent with his account. Following the investigations, the unit referred the five policemen, including a lieutenant, to the High Criminal Court which issued its ruling acquitting them of the charges. The unit has appealed the verdict which will be heard by the High Criminal Court of Appeal on December 10.