al 'Awadhi, an expert on international and Sharia law at the Freedom House Foundation in Washington, D.C. On 7 September 2011 the BICI invited Dr Sondra Crosby, an expert on hunger strikes, to join its team in order to monitor those prisoners on hunger strike in the Kingdom. Her appointment was instigated on "humanitarian grounds due to the deep concern of the BICI with the plight of the prisoners and detainees who are on hunger strike". Terms of reference According to Article 4 of Royal Decree 28, the Commission's mandate is to "engage in fact finding". and it will have access to all officials and official documents that it considers relevant as well as access, in secret if necessary, to alleged victims and witnesses of alleged violations of the law perpetrated by both the protesters and the government. The Commission's total independence is outlined in Article 3 and Article 6 of Royal Decree 28. It will determine its work on its own and without any interference by the government, which is prohibited from interfering in the Commission's work. According to Article 9 of Royal Decree 28, the Commission's final report should include the following: A complete narrative of the events that occurred during February and March, 2011. The context for these events. Whether during these events there have been violations of international human rights norms by any participants during the events or in the interaction between the public and the government. A description of any acts of violence that have occurred including the nature of the acts, how they occurred, who the actors were and what consequences derived therefrom, in particular at the Salmaniya Hospital and the GCC Roundabout. Instances of alleged police brutality and alleged violence by protesters and/or demonstrators against police and others, including foreigners. The circumstances and appropriateness of arrests and detentions. Examination of allegations of disappearances or torture. Ascertain whether there was any media harassment, whether audiovisual or written, against participants in demonstrations and public protests. Examination of alleged unlawful demolition of religious structures. Ascertain any involvement of foreign forces and foreign actors in the events. The Commission is allowed to make any recommendations is deems appropriate in its final report including: recommendations for further official investigation or prosecution of any person, including public officials or employees; recommendations for reconsideration of administrative and legal actions; and recommendations concerning the institutionalisation of mechanisms designed to prevent the