The RCSI has spoken out against criticism that it received for its response to the unrest in Bahrain in 2011.
The College was criticised for its lack of public comment and support when a number of doctors, some Irishtrained, were arrested for treating government protestors in Bahrain.
Professor Cathal Kelly, Chief Executive of the RCSI, said that the College minimised public statements in Ireland as it wanted to act in a way that was most effective in Bahrain.
It also received criticism for allowing the graduation of more than 120 students from the RCSI University in Bahrain to go ahead in the midst of the violence, which erupted a year ago.
Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Foreign Affairs and Trade last week, Prof Kelly said the RCSI believed it was important that the graduation took place as a tribute to the commitment and courage of the students.
Currently, Prof Kelly said that staff and student working groups at the RCSI university in Bahrain are examining how to “live with difference” and how to remove division and tension from university life and healthcare provision.
He added that while the College was not prepared “to pre-judge on the guilt or innocence of any of the medical personnel facing charges arising from the Bahrain protests”, it was unequivocal on the need for due process, transparent judicial procedures and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
