Democracy News

Protestors Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Bahrain; Human Rights Violations Investigations
July 1, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On June 22, Voice of America reported that a Bahrain military court sentenced eight opposition leaders to life imprisonment. The sentencing is the latest judicial blow against the country’s pro-democracy movement. The convictions were part of a trial that included 21 prominent activists who were involved in the democracy protests. Fourteen of the accused were present for their convictions, which can be appealed. The other seven were tried in absentia, including influential blogger Ali Abdulemam, who was sentenced to five years, and exiled leader Saeed al-Shehabi, who was also given life imprisonment. Ibrahim Sharif, secretary-general of the secular Waad party, was sentenced to five years.

According to CNN, among those receiving life sentences were leaders of radical Shia group Al-Haq, Hassan Mushaima and Abduljalil al-Singace, as well as Abdulwahab al-Hussein and rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. Others received sentences ranging from two years to 15 years. The activists were accused of plotting to bring down the government and having links with foreign terrorist organizations. Bahrain's mainly Shia protesters have been calling for democratic reforms and more rights for the country's Shia majority in the Sunni-ruled kingdom. They have long complained of systematic discrimination, including high unemployment, poor housing and the fact that they are denied high-level positions in government departments.

Also on trial are dozens of doctors and nurses who are accused of taking control of a hospital during anti-government protests, storing weapons and holding people prisoner. The doctors, their lawyers and international human rights activists say the defendants were tortured to extract confessions. CNN reported that human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Physicians for Human Rights, have said they believe Bahrain is actively targeting medical professionals for treating protesters who were injured during confrontations with government forces.

The United States (US) government criticized the sentences, but it also came under criticism from a major human rights group for alleged “indifference” to the defendants’ fate. In an interview with the Voice of America, Amnesty’s International Advocacy Director T. Kumar said the Obama administration, while championing human rights in other Middle Eastern counties, has been “half-hearted” about rights abuses in Bahrain. Bahrain has been a key United States ally and hosts the US Navy’s 5th fleet.

Britain's foreign office minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, said he was "extremely concerned" over the sentencing and the nature of many of the charges. "It is deeply worrying that civilians are being tried before tribunals chaired by a military judge, with reports of abuse in detention, lack of access to legal counsel and coerced confessions," Burt stated during an interview with CNN.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that there have been many claims that the security forces have routinely abused detainees and forced confessions that have been used against some of those charged by the military-led tribunal. In response, the government has denied any routine abuse, but has conceded that some mistakes were made as it moved to impose order after the protests threatened Bahrain’s economy.

On June 28, the New York Times reported that Saudi Arabia would start withdrawing most of the 1,200 troops it had sent to “control” protests in Bahrain. CNN reported that the Saudi troops have been in Bahrain since mid-March 2011 and were sent at the request of Bahraini King, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.

One day later, in an effort to mitigate international criticism, on June 29, the King announced that an independent commission would investigate possible human rights violations during government crackdowns on the pro-reform protesters.

For previous news on Bahrain, please see:
Bahraini Government Cracks Down During Ongoing ‘Day of Rage’ Demonstrations

Sources:
Radio Free Europe – Bahrain Sentences Eight Shi'ite Activists To Life

CNN – 21 convicted for anti-government protests in Bahrain

Human Rights First – Despite Crackdown, Bahraini Human Rights Defenders Continue to Fight for Democracy

Voice of America – US Criticizes Severity of Bahrain Sentences

The New York Times – Saudi Forces Withdrawing From Bahrain

CNN – Bahrain medics return to court