National Institution for Human Rights – Kingdom of Bahrain or any other forms of ill-treatment, and safeguarding his right to communicate with the outside world, in addition to the other guarantees, start from the pre-trial stage until the accused is presented to the public prosecution, and up to the trial stage. 18. As part of NIHR efforts to ensure that individuals enjoy the right to a fair trial, NIHR representatives attended a number of hearings in certain cases related to security events in to determine the course of these trials and the extent of commitment to international standards. NIHR observed heavy security presence, barriers placed in the vicinity of the premises of the Court, which, despite being necessary to maintain public security, should not prejudice the origin of right. A public trial requires empowerment of individuals through the provision of all facilities and removing those restrictions that prevent its use. In the event that these actions are necessary, they should be clear and declared in advance. In addition, the relevant parties, such as lawyers, human rights defenders and relatives of the accused should be allowed to attend the trial, unless the court decides otherwise. 19. Within the scope of NIHR mandate to receive complaints, it received 19 complaints related to the right of individuals to fair trial guarantees. Four complaints pertained to allegation of not enabling the accused to review the investigation records and signing these records without knowledge of their content. Two complaints were related to slow proceedings, while two other complaints were concerned with the competence of the public prosecution in handling the case before it, either by referring the case to the competent criminal courts, or maintaining it for the reasons which the public prosecutions deems the complaint necessary to be maintained. One complaint was received about not enabling the accused to attend the hearing, and not having the assistance of counsel in realization of the right to defense. One of the complainants claimed material compensation on account of the erroneous judgment. Another complaint was received on the violation of the principle of two-degree litigation. Five complaints were received concerning the right to receive proper medical care and treatment, while one complaint was related to the right to reconsideration before a higher court, and one complaint was related to challenge to a court ruling. 20. a. NIHR considered these complaints and expressed its legal opinion thereon. It addressed the public prosecution and the Ministry of Interior about the raised allegations of not enabling the accused to review the investigation records and signing it without knowledge of its content. The Public Prosecution responded to only one complaint and explained that it conducted the necessary investigation. While the two said bodies did not respond to the other complaints. b. As for the complaints related to slow proceedings before the competent judicial authority, NIHR dismissed one complaint since the period during which the court considers the case is not deemed as delay in adjudication. The NIHR addressed the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments concerning the other complaint, but no response has been received to date. c. Concerning the competence of the public prosecution for handling the case and the complainant’s allegation that the public prosecution did not handle the case in a fair manner, upon consideration of the two complaints, it appeared that there is no right that has been violated, since the procedures taken are consistent with the law. d. With regard to the complaint about not enabling the accused to attend court hearings, NIHR dismissed the complaint due to the absence of the involved person and his escape from prison. 54