WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The government in Bahrain should investigate reports of excessive force used against demonstrators, the U.S. State Department said.
Victoria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, said Washington was "deeply concerned" by reports of police violence against demonstrators.
Her statement follows reports that Nabeel Rajab, the head of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, was beaten by security forces responding to demonstrations last week.
Nuland said investigations into Rajab's claims were under way but the government in Manama was called on to exercise restraint.
"The government of Bahrain has taken significant steps to implement recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, and we urge it to complete this important undertaking without delay and continue the work of comprehensive reform," she said in a statement.
Last year, BICI concluded state security forces used unnecessary lethal force during a crackdown on Shiite demonstrators.
Bahrain said it was reviewing many of the recommendations made in the 513-page report.
At least 40 people died during the uprising and the commission found at least nine deaths were attributable to the country's Interior Ministry.
Bahrain was criticized for its response to the uprising and for calling on security assistance from members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The United Nations had said it believed the country was torturing people in state hospitals amid the crackdown.
