UN deeply concerned over lengthy sentences on Bahraini activists

[News_Editor]

UN deeply concerned over lengthy sentences on Bahraini activists

2011-06-24 04:59:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday expressed his deep concern over the lengthy sentences imposed against Bahraini activists this week; eight of them sentenced to life imprisonment.

"The Secretary-General notes with deep concern the harsh sentences, including life imprisonment, handed down in Bahrain against 21 political activists, human rights defenders and opposition leaders," said Martins Nesirky, spokesperson for the UN head.

Ban urged Bahraini authorities to allow the 21 activists to exercise their right to appeal the harsh sentences. The UN chief also called for acting in strict accordance with Bahrain's international human rights obligations, including the right to due process and a fair trial.

On Wednesday, Bahrain's Lower National Safety Court sentenced eight people to life in prison, and 13 others to between 2 and 15 years of imprisonment on charges of plotting to overthrow the government during the February and March protests.

According to Reporters Without Borders, many irregularities were reported by activists and relatives during the trials including torture and mistreatment while in detention. The non-governmental organization urged the international community to call the Bahraini government to account on its strategy towards opposition activists.

Protests by mostly Shia Muslims were held during the months of February and March to demand political freedom and the end of King Hamad's rule of the Kingdom of Bahrain, which has lasted over 12 years. The unrest followed similar movements in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Syria and Yemen.

In mid-March, King Hamad declared martial law and a three-month state of emergency as security forces and troops carried out raids and violently confronted protesters who had been gathering and camping at the Pearl Roundabout in the city of Manama.

According to Bahrain's Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashed bin Abdullah al-Khalifa, at least 24 people died during the uprisings, including four security officers, seven civilians and 13 protesters.

"The Secretary-General hopes that the Bahraini authorities will do everything possible to create an environment conducive for the start of a concrete national dialogue," added Nesirky. "It should be genuine, inclusive and lead to tangible outcomes which address the legitimate aspirations of all Bahrainis."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-24