The Bahraini government has admitted to the use of ’excessive force’ against anti-government protesters demanding an end to the rule of Al Khalifa dynasty.

Bahraini Al-Khalifa's monarchy admitted on Monday that "excessive force" was used on anti-government peaceful protests earlier this year as tension escalates two days ahead of the unveiling of a probe into the deadly crackdown.

Bahrain's Independent Commission of Inquiry, commissioned by King Hamad, will unveil Wednesday the results of its investigation into alleged government misconduct during the February-March crackdown on protests.

As the Gulf kingdom braced for the finding of the probe, tension has escalated in areas of the nation and the opposition has vowed not to back down from demands for democratic reform.

"Regrettably, there have been instances of excessive force and mistreatment of detainees," during the deadly crackdown against protests, the Bahraini government statement said.

Bahraini Authorities say 24 people, including four policemen, were killed in the unrest, while the Shiite-led opposition puts the death toll at 30. Hundreds more were injured.

The statement said authorities have begun prosecuting 20 officers involved in the crackdown, adding that more steps will be taken.

"We cannot condone mistreatment and abuses by our officials. There will be no impunity. All those responsible for abuses will be held accountable," it added.

The statement comes as anti-government protests in mainly areas outside Manama have intensified this month, resulting in clashes with security forces that have left a 16-year-old boy dead and dozens of people injured.

The mass demonstrations which rocked Bahrain earlier this year were violently crushed as government forces used live ammunition and heavy-handed tactics in clashes with protesters.

For human rights activist Mohammed Maskati "the real question is what happens after the report."

"The situation is already very tense. The number of protests in the last two weeks is steadily increasing, as is the number of arrests," said Maskati who heads the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights.

He warned that the report should "at the very least reflect the conclusions of other international human rights organizations ... Otherwise, the crisis will escalate."

International rights organizations have repeatedly accused the government of violating citizens' rights, citing allegations of torture, unfair trials, excessive use of force and violent repression.

Since the protests broke out, hundreds of protesters have been arrested, including prominent members of the opposition, medics, teachers and youth activists.

OPPOSITION RESPONSE

Bahrain's opposition groups have withheld comment until after the report is released, but at a joint press conference late Sunday they reaffirmed their commitment to democratic change.

"After the report is released, we will meet to plan our next steps," said prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Ali Salman, who heads the powerful Al-Wefaq opposition group.

"Our demands are clear: an elected government, a parliament with full authorities, an independent judiciary, security for all and a just electoral system," he said.

"The opposition will continue with its demonstrations and protests and the peaceful actions inside and outside Bahrain, and we will not back down," he vowed.

The commission, which has interviewed thousands of opposition officials and government representatives, is composed of five lawyers and headed by international law and human rights expert Cherif Bassiouni.