A leading US Congressman yesterday slammed Bahrain’s opposition societies for misleading US public opinion, saying that more information must be collected on alleged violations and protests before policies are proposed.

Addressing the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in Washington, Senator Dan Burton, a senior member of the Congress Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia, said US leaders and the media must look closely instead of being misled by those who want to manipulate the truth.

He said the term unjustified attacks, which is often used by the media, serves the interests of only one party, which is the opposition in this situation, and it ignores the actions and reactions that occur on a smaller scale.

Senator Burton said he visited a policeman whose house was hit by Molotov cocktails, when his children were inside the house.

“The violence perpetrated by extremists and demonstrators prompt reaction from the government,” he said, pointing out that the US used teargas when demonstrators committed acts of violence.

The Congressman spoke about his visit to Bahrain University.

“I watched videos showing some of the students who were victims of violence by colleagues who had sided with the opposition.”

Senator Burton pointed out Bahrain’s initiative commissioning former Miami Police chief John Timoney to ensure policemen adhere to human rights.

He outlined the initiatives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to engage in a fruitful multiparty national dialogue, a step which was rejected by the opposition. “Violent protests are not a viable way to achieve desired change,” he said, reaffirming Bahrain’s status as a long-time strategic ally and partner of the US.

The session was attended by Congressmen Jim Moran, James B McGovern, Keith Ellison and Lynn Woolsey.