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June 23, 2011

U.S. Voices "Concern" Over Bahrain Trials 
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Bahraini opposition members are warning of a worsening political crisis
following the sentencing of eight leading activists to life in prison.
On Wednesday, a Bahraini court ruled Shiite political leader Hassan
Mushaima and seven others were guilty of plotting a coup in the protests
that erupted earlier this year. Thirteen other activists were given
sentences of between two to five years. Bahrain is a key U.S. government
ally in the Middle East, hosting the Navy’s Fifth Fleet. In
Washington, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Mark Toner expressed
"concern" over the sentences.

Mark Toner: "We are concerned about the severity of the sentences handed
down yesterday in Bahrain. We're also concerned about the use of
military courts to try these civilians. As President Obama said in his
May 29 or May 19 speech, "such steps are at odds with the universal
rights of Bahrain citizens." We understand now that these cases will go
through an appeals process. We continue to urge the Bahraini government
to abide by its commitment to transparent judicial proceedings."

A number of other Bahraini protesters stand to face trial. A military
trial is ongoing for a group of doctors and medical workers who treated
wounded activists. This week, the wife of one of the doctors says her
husband was tortured into confessing, after being forced to stand for
three weeks, handcuffed, and deprived of sleep.



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