Tough new laws are urgently needed to stop increasing attacks on Bahrain's policemen, a top government minister has warned.

Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa last night called for 15 years in jail for those inciting violence against policemen as well as those who attack them.

Safety of policemen and their families is of paramount importance, he stressed.

Shaikh Rashid urged legislative authorities to urgently look into the issue. Rioting over the past few days has seen an escalation and the targeting of on duty policemen, he said.

Policemen have been attacked with sharp objects and firebombs by rioters, the minister pointed out, adding that numerous arrests have been made as a result.

Shaikh Rashid called upon citizens and residents to maintain civil peace and not to be swayed by rumours or try to dramatise events.

The ministry, he said, is committed to providing correct information through the Police Media Centre website at policemc.gov.bh and the ministry's Twitter account at @MOI_Bahrain, to build trust, fight accusations and misleading information that spreads chaos and uncertainty.

Freedom of expression is protected by law, but not if it infringes on the freedom of others or their interests, Shaikh Rashid said.

He said in order to ensure freedom of expression, it is appropriate to allocate certain places away from vital roads where protests may take place. Especially in a small country, traffic jams and road blockages must be avoided, he said.

The minister hoped that the present crisis will inspire people to build a better future - both for themselves and for the next generation.

He also pointed out that policemen on riot duty will be given special training and equipment. – TradeArabia News Service