This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011 [1].
Bahrain's High Court of Appeals upheld [2] jail sentences against 20 opposition figures accused of plotting to overthrow the regime today [September 4, 2012]. While international human rights organisations describes them as “prisoners of conscience,” Bahraini authorities and the local Press call them “terrorists” for their role in anti-government protests, which started in Bahrain on February 14, 2011.
Eight of them have been slapped [3] with life in prison; the rest have been given jail sentences ranging from five to 15 years.
Supporters called the trial a sham, rejecting its ruling and pledging to continue with anti-government demonstrations.
Former member of parliament and member of the opposition Al Wefaq Society (the forming of political parties is banned in Bahrain) Abduljalil Khalil tweets [ar]:
Ala'a Shehabi was trying to attend the trial. She tweets:
@alaashehabi [5]: None of the families were allowed in & lawyers coming out of court are saying that some charges were dropped but prison sentences upheld
She adds:
@alaashehabi [6]: Upholding sentences proves absolutely no difference betwn military justice & this so called ‘civilian’ justice.Same mentality rules #bahrain
Director of Human Rights Defenders Program at Human Rights First Brian Dooley asks:
@dooley_dooley [7]: ‘…you can't have a real dialogue with parts of the peaceful opposition in jail,’ Obama told #Bahrain in May 2011. What's he saying today?
In another tweet, he remarks:
@dooley_dooley [8]: The verdicts on the 13 confirm #Bahrain's reform process is a hoax. Where is the int. community now?
Sabeeka Al Shamlan plays with words:
And Salma says:
The lack of intellect is a catastrophe in Bahrain
@salmasays [10]:
Meanwhile, Zohoor claims that the verdict was announced by the Bahrain News Agency even before the judge pronounced his decision. She tweets:
@sudaif3: [11] Biggest farce verdicts announced by the Bahrain News Agency before being pronounced by the judge!#BhDecisionDay #FreeBhLeaders
And, from Egypt, Tarek Shalaby offers solidarity:
@tarekshalaby: Solidarity with our brothers and sisters in #Bahrain suffering from the brutal, sectarian monarchy overlooked by Saudi. Power to the people.
This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011 [1].