UN doubts about Bahrain opposition leaders fair trial

The UN Human Rights Office has said there were “serious doubts” whether three Bahraini opposition leaders were given a fair trial in Bahrain.

Iran Press/Middle East: The UN Human Rights Office spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said there are serious doubts concerning whether the court proceedings respected the right to a fair trial.

She said: “We are deeply concerned that these convictions are due to their opposition to the Bahraini government and its policies,” RT reported.

On 31 December, Bahrain's high court upheld a five-year jail sentence against prominent activist Nabeel Rajab for criticizing Saudi Arabia’s air strikes in Yemen and accusing Bahrain’s prison authorities of torture.

On 21 January, an independent human rights group said it has documented the arrest of more than 5,000 prisoners of conscience in Bahrain, as the ruling Al Khalifah regime presses ahead with its heavy-handed clampdown on political dissidents and pro-democracy activists.

Related news:

Bahrain sentences Nabeel Rajab to 5 years behind bars

Since February 14, 2011, Bahraini people have been holding peaceful protest rallies on an almost daily basis, demanding that the Al Khalifah family relinquish power and let a just system representing all people be established.

They have also been complaining about widespread discrimination against the Shia majority in the kingdom.

Manama has responded to the protests with lethal force, drawing international criticism. 101/ 211/ 201

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