Treating Bahrain's Wounded - NYTimes.com Re "Secret Clinics Tend to Bahrain Wounded" (news article, May 22): Your article does not draw the distinction between a protest and a riot, even though it acknowledges the occurrence of "clashes" against riot police. The right to freedom of expression is guaranteed and is exercised regularly in Bahrain by individuals and groups representing the broadest political spectrum. However, acts of intentional disruption, vandalism and violent assault against police officers do not fall under the category of legitimate peaceful expression. Critical injuries to police officers and civilians have been documented and acknowledged by many, including in recent White House statements. Additionally, it is standard procedure in most countries for hospitals and clinics to report cases of injuries due to suspected criminal activity. No patient is discriminated against or penalized for exercising his or her right to legitimate free expression. Lastly, we feel that Dr. Jassim al-Mehza's last quote lacks context. He states: "The presence of security, we feel, is mandatory. It's a reaction to what happened last year. This refers to the period when areas of the hospital were controlled by protesters and rogue medics, limiting and even denying access to health care. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry's report stated that those medics alternated between their roles as political activists and medical personnel, which affected their abilities to carry out their professional, ethical and legal duties. FAHAD A. ALBINALI Media Spokesman Information Affairs Authority President's Office Isa Town, Bahrain, May 24, 2012