When the inquiry, dubbed the Bassiouni report was published on November 23rd, last year, rights groups, opposition figures and concerned observers were heartened by the findings which included political and social reforms. Fast forward a year and there is a palpable sense of disappointment.

The failure of the international community to censure the Bahraini authorities for their inaction and continued suppression of opponents has been cited as one of the main reasons behind the inability of the inquiry to achieve its aims.

Even the chief architect of BICI, Cherif Bassiouni, has been critical of the progress the rulers of Bahrain have made. It is concrete action; not rhetoric that will show the people that they are serious.

As demonstrations continue in Bahrain, opponents of the government are hoping the first anniversary of the report’s publication will re-galvanise public opinion and force the government’s hand.

Perhaps one of the biggest disappointments for activists has been how few BICI recommendations have been implemented. Only 3 of 26 have been enacted. 15 have been partially implemented and 6 completely ignored. Activists warn that unless there is full and wholesale changes the roll call of the dead and tortured will continue to grow.