UN: Protesters sentenced to death in Bahrain 'illegal and unacceptable'

UN: Protesters sentenced to death in Bahrain 'illegal and unacceptable'

2011-05-05 21:12:21 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations (UN) on Thursday voiced deep concern about the continued detention of hundreds of activists in Bahrain, the prosecution of scores of medical professionals, and the sentencing to death of four protesters after a closed-door military trial.

Bahrain is one of several nations in the Middle East and North Africa that has been overtaken by protests this year, as resident call for increased freedoms and democratic reforms. The Government's crackdown on protesters has draw criticism from UN officials, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who has urged maximum restraint and called for inclusive dialogue with all parties.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Thursday said the trial of civilians before military courts has always a cause of concern.

"The application of the death penalty without due process and after a trial held in secrecy is illegal and absolutely unacceptable,†Pillay stated. "The defendants are entitled to fair trials before civil courts, in accordance with international legal standards and in keeping with Bahrain's international human rights obligations," she added.

Bahrain's Justice Ministry announced on Wednesday that 23 doctors and 24 nurses from the Salmaniya Medical Complex are due to be tried in a military court on charges including participation in unlicensed protests and inciting hatred against the Government.

Last week, four protesters were sentenced to death and three to life imprisonment for the alleged killing of two policemen, after they were reportedly held incommunicado, without access to their families and limited access to lawyers.

In addition, the High Commissioner's office (OHCHR) said hundreds of people reportedly remain in detention for their alleged participation in the protest movement, including teachers, lawyers, journalists and bloggers, medical professionals, artists, activists and members of political bodies.

According to the government of Bahrain, the number of people in detention was listed at 400, but OHCHR said it had received information that the figure may be higher than 1,000, while more than 50 people remain unaccounted for.

Pillay voiced particular concern about the reported deaths of at least four people in custody, underling that there must be independent investigations of these cases of death in detention and allegations of torture.

"Bahraini authorities must stop the intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders and political activists, ensuring that their fundamental civil and political rights are protected," Pillay stated.

The High Commissioner also called on Bahrain officials to urgently conduct an independent, impartial investigation and bring all those who were responsible for assaulting and killing protesters to justice, and reiterated her request for the Government to allow an OHCHR assessment mission into the country.

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