Bahrain crackdown continues

MANAMA, Bahrain, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Bahrain has continued to assault anti-government protesters despite pledging last year to honor international norms, witnesses said.

Witnesses told the BBC that security forces were operating against international norms in Bahrain. The broadcaster added that it reviewed photographs of those caught up in street demonstrations and observed signs of abuse on the bodies of some protesters.

Amnesty International said it had evidence to suggest security forces appeared to be using tear gas inappropriately.

"The Bahraini authorities must investigate and account for the reports of more than a dozen deaths following tear gas use," Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, deputy Middle East and North Africa director for Amnesty International, said in a statement. "The security forces must be instructed on how to use tear gas in line with international policing standards."

The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry in a 513-page report published late last year concluded that state security forces used unnecessary lethal force during a crackdown on Shiite demonstrators in early 2011. The Sunni-led government in Manama said it was considering the guidance spelled out in the BICI reports.

At least 40 people died in the uprising and the commission said at least nine deaths were attributable to the country's Interior Ministry.