Criminals involved in Bahrain's recent unrest must be held accountable, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, said.

"All those who defamed Bahrain and sullied its institutions must be questioned and put on trials to face charges, under a transparent judiciary," His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, said.

Receiving Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh at Riffa Palace, he cautioned against "caving in to rumours". He also warned against turning the mass media into a means of retribution to settle scores.

"Retributive media may cause damage beyond repair and invite rumours from unknown sources - a lethal recipe which may inflict harm on Bahrain's social fabric in the long term," he said.

He expressed hope that all Bahrainis would assume their patriotic responsibilities at this critical juncture and rally behind their leader.

"His Majesty King Hamad is the guarantor and safety net for all Bahrainis," HRH the Crown Prince said, calling on all parties to defend the reform project and preserve hard-won achievements.

He dismissed extremism and bigotry as being totally alien to Bahrain and its people. "The nation cherished by His Majesty is one of love, tolerance, unity and diversity, and commitment to national fundamentals," he said.

Al Saleh pledged allegiance to His Majesty, praising him as the firm guarantee to protect the motherland and ensure it emerges from all difficulties and adversities.

He also paid tribute to HRH the Crown Prince for his pivotal role during the crisis, saying "his place is in the heart of every Bahraini".

HRH the Crown Prince's Court chief Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Khalifa was present.-TradeArabia News Service