08/3/2012 GDN
A civil settlement initiative in which compensation is paid directly to affected people with the consent of all parties will not interfere with the rights of those who choose to resort to courts, Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa said.
An office will be opened at the ministry to receive those who wish to have a consensual settlement, he said in an interview with Bahrain News Agency.
The initiative is in line with the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI).
Shaikh Khalid said the scheme, which was adopted following a proposal by the National Commission in charge of implementing BICI recommendations, aims to expedite compensation for those in favour of the initiative.
He said the scheme is in line with Royal directives to speed up procedures to tackle the repercussions of the unrest.
He added the initiative also reflects the government's keenness to accelerate implementation of the BICI recommendations and ensure affected people receive compensation without delay.
"The initiative doesn't prove or deny criminal liability, leaving the issue to the judiciary," Shaikh Khalid affirmed.
He said there was no link between the scheme and a national fund to compensate victims of the unrest.
The minister said the compensation will benefit families of the deceased as well as those who suffered injuries. It will also include all those found affected by the BICI report, including security men who died while on duty.
Shaikh Khalid said efforts are being co-ordinated with relevant parties to allocate the budget for the project. He added the ministry's website will detail procedures and the documents needed, which will also be announced through mass media and social networking websites.
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National Commission