DUBAI: Bahrain is hitting back at an Amnesty International report alleging that government reforms have failed to end serious violations of human rights in the Gulf country four years after it was rocked by anti-government protests.

The government said in a statement that the report, released early Thursday, had “significant shortcomings” and did not reflect important clarifications provided by authorities. Bahrain also said the report glosses over “highly significant strides” the government has taken to enact institutional and legal reforms over the past four years.

In their reply to the report issued late Thursday, Bahraini authorities accused Amnesty of misrepresenting the country’s stance on the freedoms of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly. The government said those rights are protected by the constitution and it “continues to uphold them robustly,” but it draws the line at “violent attacks or incitement to violence committed under the guise of free speech and peaceful protest.”

“It is the government’s duty to protect citizens, residents and visitors alike and the government makes no apology for doing so,” it said.