BBC News, 28 April 2011
Bahrain Protests
A court in Bahrain has convicted four demonstrators and sentenced them to death over the killing of two police officers during pro-democracy protests.
 |
| Bahrain has clamped down harshly on pro-democracy protests, which it accuses Iran of fomenting |
Three others were sentenced to life in prison.
Bahraini authorities have responded harshly to protests which began in February, following uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.
Hundreds of people have been detained for taking part in protests, many unable to communicate with family.
The seven defendants were reportedly tried behind closed doors on charges of premeditated murder of government employees - allegedly running two police officers over in a car.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges, reports said.
The trial was the first publicly announced since the Gulf state was put under martial law in mid-March.
Bahrain blames Iran for fomenting the protests, but analysts point to long-simmering tensions between the ruling Sunni minority and Shia majority.
Related Article:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.